Colombia has ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury and joined the global struggle to protect human health and environment. 

Colombian government has committed to enforce restrictions regarding: (i) mercury-added products; (ii) manufacturing processes in which mercury compounds are used; and (iii) activities and processes that emit or release mercury or mercury compounds. Also, it must apply stringent supervision to the emission, storage and disposal of mercury. 

Parties must promote and facilitate to the citizens information related to the health and environmental effects of mercury and mercury compounds. 

Furthermore, the Convention aims to promote the cooperation between the parties regarding the capacity building, technical assistance and technology transfer. The cooperation is particularly important for taking steps to reduce or eliminate the use of mercury and mercury compound of artisanal and small-scale gold mining.