Effectiveness of Chemical- and Hazardous-Waste-Based MEAs in Sustaining Life and Land: Analysis of Implementing Legislations and Practice in Ethiopia

Abstract

The general purpose of regulating chemical and hazardous waste in international legal frameworks is to protect against life-threatening and adverse impacts on the environment during its generation and use at the domestic level and global transfer. Implementing these global regimes can be effective at the national level when the top leadership makes environmental protection a priority agenda in its policy and legislation, shifting from a traditional economic development attitude to harmonizing environmental, human rights, and economic growth needs. To this end, the joint plans and actions of institutions, which should be augmented by public involvement and judicial activism, play crucial roles. Mining companies should also be part of this cooperative framework, changing their enclave attitude and exclusionary approach. This paper analyzes the implementation of chemical- and hazardous-waste-based global regimes in Ethiopia by adopting a comparative method as a lesson from other jurisdictions. It argues that realizing multilateral agreements remains in the dock due to legal and practical gaps. The applicable domestic laws are flawed, exhibiting inconsistency, fragmentation, and inadequacy. Additionally, the state’s conduct does not balance its or investors’ economic interests with those of indigenous people, including their health, livelihood, and the environment. Thus, it recommends legal rectification and practical compliance with international law to realize the sustainable viability of human health and environmental media.