Resolution 3
Promotion of Technical Assistance
THE CONFERENCE,
HAVING ADOPTED the Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-operation to Pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances, 2000, (HNS Protocol),
NOTING that key elements for the success of any action to respond to HNS incidents are good administrative organization in the countries concerned in this field and, at least, a minimum level of technical preparation,
BEING AWARE of the difficulties that may be encountered by certain States in establishing such an organization and in preparation through their own resources,
RECOGNIZING the role played in this connection by the International Maritime Organization, by regional agreements, by bilateral co-operation and by government and industry programmes,
RECOGNIZING ALSO the contribution made by the Organization's technical co-operation programme, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme and national aid agencies in this regard,
NOTING ALSO resolution A.677(16) which invites the Secretary-General of the Organization to undertake on a priority basis an evaluation of the technical assistance needs of some countries with a view to formulating the long-term objectives of the Organization's technical assistance programme in the environment field, and to report the outcome to the Assembly of the Organization,
1. REQUESTS Member States of the Organization, in co-operation with the Organization when appropriate, other interested States, competent international and regional organizations and industry programmes, to strengthen support for countries needing assistance, especially in:
(a) the training of personnel;
(b) ensuring the availability of relevant technologies, equipment and facilities, necessary for preparedness and response to HNS incidents, so as to enable them to establish at least the minimum structures and resources for responding to such incidents commensurate with the perceived pollution risks;
2. REQUESTS ALSO Member States, in co-operation with the Organization when appropriate, other interested States, competent international or regional organizations and industry programmes, to strengthen support for countries needing assistance in the initiation of joint research and development programmes,
3. URGES Member States to provide such support without delay, inter alia, through bilateral or multilateral co-operation,
4. REQUESTS FURTHER the Organization to re-evaluate the principles underlying co-operation and assistance in articles 5, 6, and 7 of the HNS Protocol.
