The universal recognition of the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment by the UN General Assembly in 2022 was almost five decades in the making. Yet, more than two years after this historic moment, the environmental crises that engulf our world continue unabated. It has never been more urgent for States to respect, protect, and fulfill this human right. A critical first step toward doing so is understanding its different dimensions.
“The Right to a Healthy Environment: From recognition to implementation” is a new publication by Franciscans International to empower human rights defenders, activists, and affected communities working to promote and defend this right. Developed together with Astrid Puentes Riaño, it traces the historical processes that led to the UN recognition of the right to a healthy environment, explains the different substantive and procedural elements that make up the right, and offers advice on how to incorporate it into ongoing advocacy efforts.
Underpinning the publication is a 2023 workshop held by Franciscans International with partners from the grassroots who shared their experiences, best practices, as well as strategies to support the implementation of the right to a healthy environment and avenues to hold those who violate the right accountable. Based on these conversations, the report considers lessons learned at the grassroots and identifies challenges ahead. It also covers several legal cases brought by affected communities claiming their right to a healthy environment.
“The Right to a Healthy Environment: From Recognition to Implementation” aims to be a source of inspiration and creativity for communities and movements on the ground. It is also an invitation to continue learning, coordinating, and sharing all these lessons whenever possible. Together, across the world, we can all contribute to protecting our beautiful planet.