U.N. Right to a Clean, Healthy & Sustainable Environment & other topics

This morning July 28, we issued a statement in which the Secretary-General welcomes the adoption by the General Assembly of its historic Resolution recognizing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

He says that this landmark development demonstrates that Member States can come together in our collective fight against the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

The Secretary-General says that the international community has given universal recognition to this right and brought us closer to making it a reality for all. He notes that the Resolution will help reduce environmental injustices, close protection gaps and empower people, especially those that are in vulnerable situations, including environmental human rights defenders, children, youth, women and indigenous peoples.

The Secretary-General added that the Resolution will also help States accelerate the implementation of their environmental and human rights obligations and commitments. However, he stresses, the adoption of the Resolution is only the beginning.

He urges States to make the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment a reality for everyone, everywhere.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has also issued a statement on this.