Human Rights Council recognizes the contribution of environmental and human rights defenders
On March 20, 2019, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted by consensus a resolution recognizing the contribution of environmental and human rights defenders to the enjoyment of human rights, environmental protection and sustainable development.
To date, more than 150 countries have recognized some form of a right to a healthy environment in their Constitutions. However, the Human Rights Council is alarmed by an increasing rate of killings, violent acts, including gender-based violence, threats, harassment, intimidation, smear campaigns, criminalization, judicial harassment, forced eviction and displacement of environmental human rights defenders, including indigenous and women human rights defenders.
For further information, check the Report on Children’s Rights and the environment (2018) by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment. A child-friendly version of this report is available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Russian.