This set of guidelines and principles is addressed to Governments with a view to assisting them in the process of developing policies for the environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes. They have been prepared on the basis of common elements and principles derived from relevant existing bilateral, regional and global agreements and national regulations, drawing upon experience already gained through their preparation and implementation. Special importance is attached to respect for the balance achieved in principle 21 of the Stockholm Declaration on the Human Environment between the rights and duties of States concerning their natural resources and the environment.