A/HRC/31/53
an expert seminar on the effective implementation of human rights obligations relating to
the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, challenges thereto and
the way forward, on the basis of the findings of the mandate holder.
7.
In accordance with that request, the Special Rapporteur, with the support of OHCHR
and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), organized a meeting of more
than 20 experts on 26 and 27 October 2015. He also held a public consultation on 28
October. In addition, the Special Rapporteur received more than 40 written submissions. At
the meetings and through the submissions, he received valuable input from representatives
of Governments, civil society organizations, international organizations and academics.
8.
Drawing on all of those sources, the present report describes possible methods of
implementing human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a healthy environment.
Although the methods listed are not exhaustive, they give a wide range of approaches that
would further the following goals, among others: (a) disseminating information about the
human rights norms relating to the environment; (b) building capacity; (c) protecting the
rights of those who are most vulnerable; and (d) strengthening cooperation between
different actors.
9.
The report is addressed to all those in a position to implement human rights norms in
relation to the environment. Proposals are organized in categories corresponding to the
actors that could carry them out, including: (a) the Human Rights Council and other
intergovernmental organizations; (b) regional human rights bodies and other regional
organizations; (c) Governments and national human rights institutions; (d) civil society
organizations; and (e) the Special Rapporteur himself.
10.
At the outset, the Special Rapporteur highlights three general points that were
emphasized by many of the interlocutors in this process. First, the methods of
implementation are not “either/or” alternatives. They complement one another. To promote
the full enjoyment of human rights relating to the environment, actors should pursue
multiple methods of implementation.
11.
Second, the Special Rapporteur draws attention to the relevance of the new
Sustainable Development Goals, which provide an overall framework for development
policy over the next 15 years. Virtually all of the suggested methods of implementing
human rights norms relating to the environment would also support achievement of the
Sustainable Development Goals.
12.
Third, many interlocutors stressed that a human rights perspective on environmental
protection not only promotes human dignity, equality and freedom — the benefits of
implementing all human rights — but also improves the effectiveness of policymaking
generally. Ensuring that those most affected by development and environmental policies are
able to obtain information, freely express their views and participate in the decision-making
process makes the policies more robust and sustainable. Assessing development and
environmental policies in the light of human rights, including the rights to life, health and
an adequate standard of living, helps to ensure that the policies directly improve the lives of
human beings who depend on a healthy environment — which is to say, all human beings.
II. Implementing human rights obligations relating
to the environment
13.
The following sections describe the proposals for implementation of human rights
obligations relating to the environment that could be carried out by: (a) intergovernmental
organizations, including the Human Rights Council; (b) regional bodies; (c) Governments
and national human rights institutions; and (d) civil society organizations.
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