UN General Assembly recognizes the human right to a healthy environment in line with the Escazú Agreement

It is resolution 76/300 of 28 July 2022, the United Nations General Assembly recognized for the first time the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

The General Assembly affirmed that the promotion of the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment requires the full implementation of the multilateral environmental agreements under the principles of international environmental law. It also recognized that the exercise of human rights, including the rights to seek, receive and impart information, to participate effectively in the conduct of government and public affairs and to an effective remedy, is vital to the protection of a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

The Escazú Agreement, first environmental treaty of Latin America and the Caribbean, aims to contribute to the protection of the right of every person of present and future generations to live in a healthy environment and to sustainable development. Each Party commits to ensure this right as well as any other related and universally-recognized human right.