HRC/RES/48/13 | |
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UN Human Rights Council | |
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Citation | A/HRC/RES/48/13 |
Enacted by | UN Human Rights Council |
Enacted | 8 October 2021 |
The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly and before that the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC, as HRC/RES/48/13), that recognizes a healthy environment as a human right. [1] [2] It was adopted at the 48th session of the HRC, marking the first time that the HRC recognized a human right in a resolution. [3] [4] The draft resolution was put forward by the core group comprising Costa Rica (Penholder), Morocco, Slovenia, Switzerland and the Maldives. [5] The vote passed with 43 votes in favor, 0 votes against, and 4 abstentions ( China, India, Japan and the Russian Federation). [1]
The resolution in itself is not legally binding, but it "invites the United Nations General Assembly to consider the matter" (i.e. the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment). [1]
In 2022 during its 76th session, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. [6] Although General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, this resolution was welcomed by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, [7] multiple special rapporteurs [8] and members of some civil society organizations. [9] [10]