Mandate
To ensure the technical integrity and impartiality of the work of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (“The Committee”), it is necessary to avoid situations in which financial or other interests might affect the outcome of that work. Each expert is therefore asked to declare any interests that could constitute a real, potential or apparent conflict of interest with respect to his or her involvement in the meeting or work.
Pursuant to paragraphs 15 to 18 of the terms of reference of the Committee (annex to decision SC-1/7 and amended by decisions SC-4/20 and SC-5/11), each member of the Committee as well as each invited expert shall sign a declaration of interest as set out in decision SC-1/8, and as amended by decision SC-4/20 prior to participating in the work of the Committee.
In paragraph 2 of decision SC-1/8, the Conference of the Parties decided, without prejudice to the obligations incumbent upon the individual members of the Committee as set out in paragraphs 3 and 4 of that decision, that Governments have primary responsibility in ensuring compliance with decision SC-1/8. To this effect, when considering designating experts in relevant fields for appointment by the Conference of the Parties, Governments shall exercise due diligence in order to prevent potential or actual situations of conflict of interest.
Frequency
In accordance with paragraph 7 (a) of decision SC-1/8, when considering designating an expert to the Committee, the Government concerned informs the expert that he or she will be requested by the Secretariat to fill in a declaration of conflicts of interests.
Each member of the Committee as well as each invited expert signs a declaration of conflicts of interest prior to participating in the work of the Committee.
Format
The Conference of the Parties adopted the declaration of conflicts of interests as set out in the annex to decision SC-1/8 for consideration in connection with the designation, appointment and review of the status of experts to the Committee. The Conference of the Parties further adopted the revised form for the declaration of conflicts of interest as set out in annex II to decision SC-4/20. The form is available in all six official United Nations languages and can be downloaded in English, French or Spanish.
Procedures and processes of the Secretariat
Prior to the designation of an expert by a Government, or concurrently with the process for that designation, the Secretariat requests the expert, through the Government, to fill in a declaration of interests. The declaration of interests is to be submitted by the designating Government to the Secretariat.
Information disclosed on this declaration shall reside within the Secretariat and shall be made available to the Conference of the Parties, its Bureau and subsidiary bodies, as deemed appropriate.
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