A/HRC/RES/37/8
Taking note of the outcomes of the twenty-third session of the Conference of the
Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and encouraging
States to consider, among other aspects, respect for and the promotion of human rights at
the twenty-fourth session, to be held in Katowice, Poland from 3 to 14 December 2018,
Recognizing that sustainable development and the protection of the environment,
including ecosystems, contribute to human well-being and to the enjoyment of human
rights, including the rights to life, to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of
physical and mental health, to an adequate standard of living, to adequate food, to safe
drinking water and sanitation and to housing, and cultural rights,
Recognizing also that, conversely, the impact of climate change, the unsustainable
management and use of natural resources, the unsound management of chemicals and
waste, the resulting loss of biodiversity and the decline in services provided by ecosystems
may interfere with the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and
that environmental damage can have negative implications, both direct and indirect, for the
effective enjoyment of all human rights,
Recognizing further that, while the human rights implications of environmental
damage are felt by individuals and communities around the world, the consequences are felt
most acutely by those segments of the population that are already in vulnerable situations,
Recognizing that the exercise of human rights, including the freedom to seek,
receive and impart information, to participate effectively in the conduct of government and
public affairs and the right to an effective remedy, is vital to the protection of a clean,
healthy, safe and sustainable environment,
Recognizing also the important role played by human rights defenders in the
promotion and protection of human rights as they relate to the enjoyment of a safe, clean,
healthy and sustainable environment, and deeply concerned that human rights defenders
addressing environmental issues and corporate responsibility are among the human rights
defenders most exposed and at risk,
Recognizing further the importance of gender equality, the empowerment of women
and the role women play as managers of natural resources and agents of change in
safeguarding the environment,
Recognizing the particular vulnerability of children to the effects of environmental
harm, including to air pollution, water pollution, climate change, exposure to chemicals,
toxic substances and waste, and loss of biodiversity, and that environmental harm may
interfere with the full enjoyment of a vast range of the rights of the child,
Reaffirming that States have the obligation to respect, protect and fulfil human
rights, including in all actions undertaken to address environmental challenges, and to take
measures to protect the rights of all, as recognized in different international instruments and
reflected in the framework principles on human rights and the environment,2 and that
additional measures for those who are particularly vulnerable to environmental harm should
be taken,
Noting that more than 100 States have recognized some form of a right to a healthy
environment in, inter alia, international agreements, their constitutions, legislation or
policies,
1.
Welcomes the work undertaken by the Special Rapporteur on the issue of
human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable
environment, including in the implementation of his mandate, the comprehensive,
transparent and inclusive consultations conducted with relevant stakeholders, his thematic
reports, and the undertaking of regional country visits;
2
2
A/HRC/37/59, annex.