A/HRC/RES/54/10
Expressing concern at the key finding of the United Nations Environment Programme
contained in the summary for policymakers of the Global Chemicals Outlook II that the
global goal to minimize the adverse impacts of chemicals and waste will not be achieved by
2020,
Recalling Human Rights Council resolution 42/21 of 26 September 2019 on the
protection of the rights of workers exposed to hazardous substances and wastes, in which the
Council encouraged States, business enterprises and other actors to implement the 15
principles on human rights and the protection of workers from exposure to toxic substances,
through their respective legal and policy frameworks, to help them to protect workers from
unsafe exposure to hazardous substances and to provide remedies for violations and abuses
of workers’ rights,
Reaffirming that the way hazardous substances and wastes are managed throughout
their life cycle, including manufacturing, distribution, use and final disposal, may have an
adverse impact on the full enjoyment of human rights,
Welcoming the work carried out, in accordance with his mandate, by the Special
Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management
and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, including on the right to science in the
context of toxic substances, and noting his reports on plastics and human rights;1 Indigenous
Peoples and toxics;2 mercury, small-scale gold mining and human rights;3 detoxification and
decarbonization, and the need for integrated solutions;4 shipping, toxics and human rights; 5
human rights issues relating to all business enterprises, both transnational and other,
regarding the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and
wastes; and the human right to a safe, clean, healthy, sustainable and non-toxic environment,6
1.
Takes note of the report submitted by the Special Rapporteur on the
implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of
hazardous substances and wastes to the Human Rights Council at the present session,7 and
requests the Special Rapporteur, in accordance with his mandate, to continue to provide
detailed, up-to-date information on the adverse consequences for the full enjoyment of human
rights of managing and disposing of hazardous substances and wastes in an unlawful manner,
which may include information on:
(a)
The adverse consequences for persons in vulnerable situations;
(b)
The science-policy interface with regard to transparency about the risks
associated with the life cycle of hazardous substances and wastes, including threats to the
right to freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart
information, and the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress;
(c)
The developments, gaps and shortcomings in the effectiveness of international
regulatory mechanisms concerning hazardous substances and wastes and their impact on the
enjoyment of human rights, including with respect to emerging chemicals and waste
management and disposal issues;
(d)
Human rights issues relating to all business enterprises, both transnational and
other, regarding the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous
substances and wastes;
2.
Decides to extend the mandate of Special Rapporteur on the implications for
human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous
substances and wastes for a period of three years, and invites the mandate holder to report to
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2
3
4
5
6
7
2
A/76/207.
A/77/183.
A/HRC/51/35.
A/HRC/54/25.
A/HRC/54/25/Add.2.
A/HRC/49/53.
A/HRC/54/25.