Africa demands sanctions against biopiracy
Published: Monday, May 13th 2024, 12:20
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The group of African countries has called for sanctions against companies or countries that violate the provisions of the planned treaty to prevent biopiracy. "Our group supports appropriate sanctions to ensure the enforcement of the treaty," said the representative of Kenya on behalf of the African group in Geneva on Monday.
After more than 20 years of negotiations, the final round for a new UN treaty on the management of genetic resources and traditional knowledge began there. It is to be adopted by May 24 at the latest.
The treaty is intended to put a stop to biopiracy, i.e. to prevent companies or scientists from taking plants or other organisms from other countries and using them to produce lucrative products or medicines. Countries of origin are to share in any profits or be compensated in some other way. This is a question of justice, said the Kenyan representative: "The African Group is committed to an international agreement that recognizes and protects the sovereign rights of member states over their traditional knowledge and the associated genetic resources."
According to the draft agreement, companies would in future have to state where their material comes from when applying for a patent. Countries of origin can then check whether all approvals have been obtained and the necessary participation agreements concluded. Around 1200 diplomats and government representatives are taking part in the negotiations at the UN Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
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