Storm approaches Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (archive). UN human rights chief welcomes ASEAN declaration on the right to a clean environment Human Rights
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk welcomed the adoption by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) of a historic regional declaration that affirms the right of people to live in a healthy environment. The document was approved on October 26 during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Turk called the first recognition of this right at the regional level in Southeast Asia a timely and important step forward. He said the decision demonstrates that caring for the environment and protecting human rights are inextricably linked – “especially in the face of multiple global crises, including climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.”
“No time to delay no”
“ASEAN countries now need to move as quickly as possible from commitments to practical measures – to embed the provisions of the declaration in national laws, policies and programs, including mechanisms for holding the private sector accountable for environmental damage. There is no time to delay as environmental problems continue to worsen,” said the High Commissioner.
Read also:
Double whammy: Nearly 900 million people suffer from extreme poverty and climate threats
Chief UN human rights advocate stresses ASEAN countries need to provide coordinated leadership and swift action to combat transboundary environmental damage – building on the declaration and taking into account the views of the most affected groups population, including women, youth and indigenous peoples. He also called for respect for human rights defenders involved in environmental work.
Global recognition of environmental rights
The ASEAN Declaration became the latest document in the field of human rights and environmental protection agreed upon after its adoption UN General Assembly resolution 76/300, which recognizes the right of people around the world to a clean and healthy environment, and the recent advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the responsibilities of states in relation to climate change.
Volker Türk emphasized that the UN Human Rights Watch stands ready to support ASEAN and its member states in implementing the declaration, including providing technical assistance, developing local capacity and developing a regional action plan. He also called on countries in the region to continue to advance a human rights-based environmental agenda in line with rapidly evolving international standards in this area.