UN body recognises a clean environment as a human right
The UN Human Rights Council on Friday backed a Swiss-sponsored resolution to recognise a new fundamental right: access to “a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment”.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/Reuters/dos
Português
pt
Órgão da ONU reconhece meio ambiente limpo como direito humano
The textExternal link, proposed by Switzerland, Costa Rica, the Maldives, Morocco and Slovenia, passed comfortably, and prompted what Reuters reported as a “rare burst of applause in the Geneva forum”.
Despite criticism of the text in the lead-up by countries including the United States and the United Kingdom, the vote passed with 43 in favour and four abstentions (Russian, India, China, and Japan).
It will put extra pressure on countries to take more action on environmental change, which High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet said last month was shaping up to be “the most important challenge for human rights” across the world.
More
More
Human Rights Council: Fundamental or fundamentally flawed?
This content was published on
The Human Rights Council, convening in Geneva, is mired in US-China rivalry, while the Council also faces criticism from developing countries.
Although the text is not binding, some countries said during the debate that a new law should be passed to make it so; the Human Rights Council has also called on the UN General Assembly to discuss the question further.
Costa Rica’s ambassador Catalina Devandas Aguilar said the decision will “send a powerful message to communities around the world struggling with climate hardship that they are not alone”.
Critics had raised various objections, saying the Council was not the appropriate forum and citing legal concerns.
Switzerland, like the US, is currently not a member of the 47-member human rights council, and thus didn’t vote itself on the resolution. However, as an observer country, it can put proposals forward.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
How China is redefining human rights at a global level
This content was published on
As it marks its 15th anniversary the UN Human Rights Council has become a battlefield for a showdown between the interests of the West and China.
This content was published on
The prosecution of the Swiss government at the European Court of Human Rights by a climate association could set a European precedent.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.