The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has introduced a pilot initiative offering technical legal assistance to National Ozone Units (NOUs) in Article 5 countries, aiming to strengthen national compliance frameworks under the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment.
Delivered under the Fifth Montevideo Programme for Environmental Law, the initiative is a collaboration between UNEP’s Law Division and the OzonAction Branch’s Compliance Assistance Programme. It is designed to complement existing policy and technical support mechanisms, such as Institutional Strengthening, HCFC Phase-out Management Plans, and HFC Phase-down Kigali Implementation Plans.
The legal assistance includes support for legislative and policy reviews, capacity building for relevant institutions, drafting terms of reference, reviewing legal instruments, and identifying legal gaps in current frameworks. NOUs may also receive guidance on licensing systems and refrigerant management regulations to ensure alignment with Montreal Protocol obligations.
As part of the pilot, technical legal advice will be offered in English, French, and Chinese. Requests should be submitted through Regional Network Coordinators and the global CAP team, which will coordinate with the Law Branch.