UNHRC RESOLUTION ON PLASTIC POLLUTION: ENVIRONMNET
NEWS: UNHRC adopts resolution linking plastic pollution, ocean protection and human right to a healthy environment
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
The UN Human Rights Council has recognized the link between plastic pollution, ocean protection, and the human right to a healthy environment, calling for inclusive, rights-based ocean governance. This strengthens global momentum ahead of key 2025 conferences and urges urgent action to address the plastic crisis.
UNHRC Resolution on Plastic Pollution and Ocean Rights
• The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution linking plastic pollution, ocean protection, and the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
• It emphasizes that ocean protection is not only an environmental issue but a human rights concern, especially for vulnerable and coastal communities.
Key Highlights of the UNHRC Resolution
• Plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss are interlinked crises that pose a collective threat to the planet and future generations.
• Coastal communities and small island developing states (SIDS) suffer the most from ocean degradation and climate impacts, despite contributing the least.
• The resolution calls for a human rights-based approach to ocean governance that ensures justice, inclusion, and protection of the most at-risk groups.
Building on Previous UN Actions
• The resolution builds upon the 2021 UNHRC declaration and the 2022 UN General Assembly resolution affirming the right to a healthy environment.
• It draws heavily from the 2023 report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to a Healthy Environment, calling for urgent reforms in ocean governance.
Scale and Impact of Plastic Pollution
• Over 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans each year, and this figure could triple by 2040 if not addressed.
• Most ocean plastic comes from single-use items like packaging, plastic bags, and disposable products.
• Plastic debris damages coral reefs, entangles marine animals, and breaks down into microplastics that enter marine and human food chains.
• Microplastics are now being detected in drinking water and human organs, creating potential new health risks.
Global Implications and Future Actions
• The resolution will shape discussions at key international events, including:
• The UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France (June 2025)
• The final negotiations for a global treaty to end plastic pollution in Geneva (August 2025)
• It is expected to bring human rights considerations into future international treaties on ocean and plastic pollution governance.
• The resolution encourages integration of SDG 14 (Life Below Water) with SDGs on poverty (SDG 1), health (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), and climate action (SDG 13).
• Calls on governments, industries, and civil society to embed human rights principles into environmental policies, legal frameworks, and treaty negotiations.
Human Right to a Healthy Environment in India
• Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life, which has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to a healthy environment.
• Directive Principles:
• Article 48A directs the state to protect the environment and wildlife.
• Article 51A(g) imposes a duty on citizens to safeguard the natural environment.
• Judicial rulings such as MC Mehta v. Union of India and Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar reinforced environmental protection as a part of fundamental rights.
• Indian courts have upheld key environmental principles such as:
• The Polluter Pays Principle
• The Precautionary Principle
• Sustainable Development
Conclusion
• The UNHRC resolution strengthens global recognition of environmental protection as a human rights issue.
• With plastic pollution escalating, binding commitments are needed to address environmental degradation through legal and policy reforms.
• India, with a strong constitutional foundation and progressive environmental jurisprudence, is well-positioned to take a leadership role in global efforts to combat plastic pollution and promote ocean sustainability.
Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/pollution/unhrc-adopts-resolution-linking-plastic-pollution-ocean-protection-and-human-right-to-a-healthy-environment