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Mainstreaming the human right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment with the Reykjavik process

Other author
Parliamentary Assembly
Session
2024 - Second part-session

Summary

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe emphasizes the urgent need to recognize the human right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, particularly in light of the ongoing climate crisis. Despite previous calls for action, the Council remains the only regional human rights system without formal recognition of this right. Following the 4th Summit in Reykjavik, the Assembly urges member States to adopt a legally binding instrument that acknowledges this right and to enhance citizen participation in environmental governance. It advocates for strict accountability measures and the inclusion of vulnerable populations in the transition to sustainability, while also encouraging innovative projects and the establishment of specialized environmental hubs within governance structures.

Voting results

68 in favor 11 against 2 abstentions