On 8 October, loud and unusual applause reverberated around the chamber of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. A battle fought for decades by environmental activists and rights’ defenders, had finally borne fruit. For the first time ever, the United Nations body whose mission is to promote and protect human rights around the world, passed a resolution recognizing access to a healthy and sustainable environment as a universal right.The text also calls on countries to work together, and with other partners, to implement this breakthrough. There are six key things one needs to know why this recognition important, and what does it mean for climate change-affected communities. The newly declared right to a healthy and clean environment will also hopefully influence positively negotiations during the upcoming UN Climate Conference COP26, in Glasgow, which has been described by the UN chief as the last chance to ‘turn the tide’ and end the war on our planet.
By UN News. October 15, 2021.
