Clean, Healthy environment – A Universal Human Right

Clean, Healthy environment – A Universal Human Right

News: United Nations declares access to a clean, healthy environment as a universal human right. India voted for the resolution and pointed out that the resolutions do not create binding obligations. Only through conventions and treaties do state parties undertake obligations for such rights.

About:
• Every person on the planet has the right to live in a clean, healthy environment.
• Climate change and environmental degradation are the most critical threats awaiting humanity in the future.
• It demonstrates that the member states can unite in the collective fight against the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
• The declaration adopted by over 160 UN member nations, including India, is not legally binding. But, it will encourage countries to incorporate the right to a healthy environment in national constitutions and regional treaties.
• Russia and Iran abstained from voting.

How will it help?
• It will help to reduce environmental injustices and protection gaps.
• It can empower people, especially those in vulnerable situations, including environmental human rights defenders, children, youth, women and indigenous people.
• This right (Access to Clean, Healthy Environment) was not included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.