Syllabus: GS2/Role of International Organizations; GS3/ Environment
Context
- Recently, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has adopted a resolution recognizing the critical connection between plastic pollution, ocean protection, and the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
Key Highlights of the Resolution
- Interconnected Crises: Plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss collectively threaten the health of the planet and the rights of future generations.
- Impact on Vulnerable Communities: Coastal communities and small island developing states are disproportionately affected by ocean degradation and natural disasters.
- The resolution calls for a human rights-based approach to ocean governance, emphasizing inclusion and protection for at-risk populations.
- Building on Previous UN Actions: The resolution strengthens the Human Rights Council Recognition (2021) and the UN General Assembly Resolution (2022) affirming the right to a healthy environment.
- It was strongly influenced by a report from the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to a Healthy Environment.
| Scale of Plastic Pollution Global Impact: – According to estimates, over 11 million metric tons of plastic find their way into the oceans annually. 1. If left unchecked, this figure could triple by 2040, causing irreparable damage to marine ecosystems. – A significant portion of ocean plastic pollution originates from single-use plastics, including packaging and disposable items. – Plastic debris damages coral reefs, entangles marine species, and disrupts habitats. |
Global Implications and Future Actions
- Influence on Upcoming Conferences: The resolution sets a strong precedent ahead of two major events:
- UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France (June, 2025).
- Final negotiations for a global treaty to end plastic pollution in Geneva (August, 2025).
- Strengthening International Agreements: Observers believe this resolution will push human rights considerations to the forefront of future international agreements on ocean and plastic pollution governance.
- Integrating SDGs: Integrate SDG 14 (Life Below Water) with SDGs on poverty, gender, health, and climate justice.
- Call for Action: The resolution urges governments, industries, and civil society to integrate human rights obligations into environmental policies and treaties.
| Human Right to a Healthy Environment in India – Constitutional Provisions: 1. Article 21 (Right to Life): The right to a healthy environment is derived from Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. 2. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): (a). Article 48A: It directs the state to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife. (b). Article 51A(g): It imposes a duty on every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife. – Judicial Activism: 1. MC Mehta v. Union of India and Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar: Supreme Court of India reinforced the right to a clean environment as a Fundamental Right. 2. Principles such as polluter pays, precautionary principle, and sustainable development have been upheld by Courts in India. |
Previous article
Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana completes 10 Years
Next article
Iron Inside The Sun is More Opaque Than Expected