The resolution originally presented by Costa Rica, the Maldives, Morocco, Slovenia and Switzerland last June was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday by 161 votes. Eight countries abstained.
The universal recognition of a human right by the UN General Assembly, which brings together all 193 member states, is a historic event, the foreign ministry said in a statementExternal link following the vote. It added that this resolution is not legally binding but should bring positive change.
The right to drinking water and sanitation was the last human right to be recognised by the UN General Assembly in 2010.
The new resolution, based on a similar text adopted last year by the Human Rights Council, calls upon states, international organisations and business enterprises to scale up efforts to ensure a healthy environment for all.
“The resolution will help reduce environmental injustices, close protection gaps and empower people, especially those who are in vulnerable situations, including environmental human rights defenders, children, youth, women and indigenous peoples,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement after the vote.
The text notes that the right to a healthy environment is related to existing international law and affirms that its promotion requires the full implementation of multilateral environmental agreements.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
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Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
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Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
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St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
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The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
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The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
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