21/05/2026 President
The adoption yesterday by the UN General Assembly of a resolution on the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on climate change sends a strong and timely message: climate action and human rights are inseparable.
The resolution reaffirms that states have obligations under international law to prevent climate harm and to protect the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. In this regard, it echoes the advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice on states’ obligations in respect of climate change, thereby contributing to the strengthening of international responsibility and collective action in response to the climate crisis.
To this end, the Council of Europe should without delay recognise the right to a healthy environment, as the Parliamentary Assembly has been calling for since 2021. PACE remains actively engaged in promoting stronger environmental protection, democratic dialogue on sustainability and respect for states’ climate obligations.
As parliamentarians, we have a responsibility to help turn these commitments into concrete action. Across Europe, national parliaments play a key role in advancing climate policies and ensuring that environmental action remains grounded in human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Today’s vote is also a reminder that international co-operation must remain at the centre of global climate action. PACE will continue working with parliamentarians across Europe to support sustainable policies and strengthen collective efforts to address the climate crisis.