Call For the Universal Recognition of the Right to a Healthy Environment at the 48th Session of the UNHRC

Call For the Universal Recognition of the Right to a Healthy Environment at the 48th Session of the UNHRC

Image: Angela Benito/unsplash

Author: Sina Heckenberger

Environment and Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence

Up to this day, the international Human Rights regime suffers from a major gap - the recognition of the right to a healthy environment. Several national and regional legal systems already protect environmental Human Rights, however, the recognition of its universality is long overdue.

To address this gap, Costa Rica, the Maldives, Morocco, Slovenia, and Switzerland (hereafter “the core group”) are tabling a joint draft resolution for the recognition of the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The resolution will be put up for voting at the 48th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, beginning on the 13th of September. A joint statement has already been endorsed by over 60 states and over 1,100 civil society organizations. 

In light of the exigency of the climate crisis, the adoption of such a resolution is of utmost importance. The widespread acceptance of the right to a healthy environment, by over 80% of countries worldwide, illustrates that “The Time is Right” for its universal recognition. A Human Rights based approach to the environment has several positive implications. In its call, the core group and supporters argue that the universal recognition of the right to a healthy environment would be pivotal for the realization of environmental justice. Additionally, it would strengthen pro-environmental policy and international cooperation. 

Bibliography:

https://healthyenvironmentisaright.org/