UNHRC Adopts Groundbreaking Resolution Co-Sponsored by Morocco on Right to Clean Environment

Geneva – The United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted on Friday a resolution co-sponsored by five countries, including Morocco, recognizing for the first time that having a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a human right.

In resolution 48/13, the Council called on States around the world to work together, and with other partners, to implement this newly recognized right.

The text, proposed by Morocco, Costa Rica, the Maldives, Slovenia and Switzerland, was passed with 43 votes in favor.

At the same time, through a second resolution (48/14), the Council also increased its focus on the human rights impacts of climate change by establishing a Special Rapporteur dedicated specifically to that issue.

In a statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, called on the Member States to take bold actions to give prompt and real effect to the right to a healthy environment.

Bachelet said that, having long called for such a step, she was “gratified” that the decision “clearly recognizes environmental degradation and climate change as interconnected human rights crises.”

“Bold action is now required to ensure this resolution on the right to a healthy environment serves as a springboard to push for transformative economic, social and environmental policies that will protect people and nature,” she added.