UN: Clean environment is a human right | Current World | DW
A group of countries led by Costa Rica introduced the text and almost all member states of the United Nations agreed: The UN General Assembly recognized the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right in its own right. On Thursday in New York, 161 states voted in favor of the corresponding resolution with no dissenting votes and eight abstentions from Russia, China and Iran, among others.
The resolution does not have a legally binding character; nevertheless, representatives of the international community spoke of a “historic” step and an appeal to governments, international organizations and the economy. Most recently, in 2010, the General Assembly recognized the right to water and sanitation as a human right.
Triple planetary crisis
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the resolution a “milestone”. It shows that the international community can come together in the fight against the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. “The resolution will help reduce ecological injustices, close protection gaps and empower people, those in particularly vulnerable situations such as environmental human rights defenders, children, youth, women and indigenous peoples,” Guterres said.
UN General Assembly in New York: 161 votes in favour, eight abstentions
Costa Rica’s delegation, which introduced the text to the plenary session of the General Assembly, said the resolution would help better respond to this “triple crisis” and intensify efforts towards a cleaner environment for all.
The decision follows a similar decision by the UN Human Rights Council last October and is also being described as a historic step by environmental groups. In Greenpeace’s view, the resolution could be a “powerful instrument” to take action against large polluters. “Today’s historic vote confirms that everyone, wherever they are, has the right to live in a clean, sustainable and sustainable environment,” said the response of the International Environmental Law Centre, a Geneva-based non-profit organization.
request for further steps
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment, David R. Boyd, stated that “this resolution has the potential to be a game changer for humanity,” improving the lives of millions of people and the health of the planet.
UN Special Rapporteur Boyd: “Turning point for humanity”
UN Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet said in Geneva that simply affirming the right to a healthy environment is not enough. “The General Assembly resolution is very clear: States must implement their international obligations and increase their support for them.” The decision further reflects “that all rights are linked to the health of the environment,” Bachelet said.
Everyone has “a right to eat, breathe and drink without poisoning their body” and a right to live without the threats of ecosystem collapse and climate catastrophe. Bachelet urged that now is the time to hold governments and corporations accountable for environmental damage and to recognize and uphold the rights of those most affected by environmental degradation.
AR/mak (kna, lusa)