The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution that for the first time universally enshrines the human right to a “clean, healthy and sustainable” environment.
The text, promoted by a group of countries headed by Costa Rica, received the support from 161 member states, no votes against and with eight abstentions (including Russia, China and Iran).
The decision follows a similar decision approved last October by the United Nations Human Rights Council and is considered a historic step by environmental groups.
Organizations such as Greenpeace believe that it may be “a powerful tool to deal with the large pollutants that are driving the climate and nature crisis”.
Thursday’s historic vote affirms that everyone, no matter where, has the right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.”the Center for International Environmental Law, a nonprofit organization based in Geneva, said in a statement.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment, David R. Boyd, said in a statement that “This resolution has the potential to be a turning point for humanity”improving the lives of millions of people and the health of the planet.
Faced with the triple environmental crisis —climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution—, the recognition of the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is essential. Vital importance”, said.
The Costa Rican delegation, which was in charge of presenting the text to the plenary session of the General Assembly, indicated that the document will contribute to improving the response to this “triple crises” Is for step up work to ensure a clean environment for all.
Although the resolutions of the General Assembly are not binding, they are among the most important within the UN structure and reflect the will of all UN countries.
The adoption of the resolution it’s just the beginning“said UN Secretary General António Guterres, who in a statement urged all member states to make this right “a reality for everyone everywhere”.
António Guterres stressed that the decision shows that the international community is capable of uniting to protect the planet and its inhabitantsand considered that the recognition of this right will help “reduce environmental injustices” and serve to support activists in this area.
Source: Observadora
