UNGA: States must recognise that our rights depend on a healthy environment

On 28 July, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) will consider a resolution on universal recognition of the right to a healthy environment. The resolution was introduced by a diverse coalition of UN member states, in recognition of the human and financial cost of accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss, and toxic pollution. 

“The world will be watching closely on Thursday as UN member states publicly assert their positions on the future of the planet. A healthy environment is clearly a prerequisite for the enjoyment of all other human rights – there will be no freedom or equality when the world we live in is scorched, sunken and toxic,” said Amnesty International South Africa’s Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed.

“The wildfires, droughts and floods that are currently causing upheaval and suffering around the world are just a taster of the dystopia we can expect if we don’t change course. Amnesty International is calling on all states to prove their commitment to protecting the environment, and to upholding the whole spectrum of human rights, by supporting this resolution at the General Assembly.  

“States who plan to oppose it should be aware that they are about to permanently forfeit their credibility and authority on climate-related issues. Those states who have been engaged in attempts to water down the resolution text also risk finding themselves firmly on the wrong side of history.” 

The resolution has been endorsed by numerous UN agencies, civil society organisations, and organisations representing Indigenous peoples. Encouragingly, dozens of states have already indicated their support by formally cosponsoring the resolution.  

Last year, the 47-member UN Human Rights Council adopted a similar resolution recognising a clean, safe, healthy and sustainable environment as a universal human right. This was a milestone moment which provided a huge morale boost to climate activists worldwide. Affirming this right at the General Assembly – a body which represents all 193 UN member states – would demonstrate that there is unequivocal and widespread political will to protect human rights from environmental catastrophe.  

“A General Assembly resolution would put pressure on those states who have not yet recognised the right to a healthy environment in their national legislation to do so,” said Shenilla Mohamed.  

“It would also provide a new tool for environmental human rights defenders who work tirelessly to protect their fellow human beings from the impact of environmental destruction.”

Background

Amnesty International South Africa launched its climate change campaign, #IAmClimateAction on 5 July 2022, which aims to increase climate literacy among young people to ensure every person in South Africa has the knowledge to hold the relevant government players accountable to their commitments to uphold the right to water in the face of the climate crisis. 

Learn more about Amnesty International South Africa’s free climate change course here.