A/HRC/22/43 I. Introduction 1. In its resolution 19/10, adopted on 22 March 2012, the Human Rights Council decided to appoint an Independent Expert on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, with a mandate to: (a) Study the human rights obligations, including non-discrimination obligations, relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment; (b) Identify, promote and exchange views on best practices relating to the use of human rights obligations and commitments to inform, support and strengthen environmental policymaking, especially in the area of environmental protection, and, in that regard, to prepare a compendium of best practices; (c) Make recommendations that could help with the realization of the Millennium Development Goals, especially Goal 7 (ensuring environmental sustainability); (d) Take into account the results of the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development and contribute a human rights perspective to follow-up processes; and (e) Take into account a gender perspective by, inter alia, considering the particular situation of women and girls and identifying gender-specific discrimination and vulnerabilities. 2. Resolution 19/10 requests the Independent Expert to submit a report, including conclusions and recommendations, to the Council at its twenty-second session and to report annually thereafter. It also requests the Independent Expert to consult with and take account of the views of a wide range of stakeholders, including Governments, international bodies, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector and academic institutions. Moreover, the resolution provides that the Independent Expert shall work in close coordination, while avoiding unnecessary duplication, with other special procedures and subsidiary organs of the Human Rights Council, as well as other relevant United Nations bodies and human rights treaty bodies. 3. On 6 July 2012, the Council appointed Professor John H. Knox as the Independent Expert.1 His mandate formally began on 1 August 2012. 4. In accordance with the mandate, the Independent Expert has begun his work by conducting extensive consultations with States, international organizations, human rights bodies, environmental and human rights civil society organizations, legal experts, and other special procedures on the substance of the mandate and how best to carry it out. Consultations have been arranged in Geneva, Washington and Nairobi. Subject to the availability of voluntary contributions, the Independent Expert plans to convene additional multi-stakeholder consultations in the near future, including in Latin America and Asia. He also plans to employ other means of receiving views from stakeholders, including through surveys. 5. For assistance in the legal research required by the mandate, the Independent Expert intends to draw on pro bono research and advice from legal practitioners and scholars. He has received very helpful offers of such assistance and would welcome additional help from legal experts, in particular from developing countries. 1 Henry C. Lauerman Professor of International Law, Wake Forest University. 3