Realizing the rights of the child through environmental education

The UN Human Rights Council has adopted a historic Resolution to include the right to a healthy environment as integral to the Rights of the Child, with environmental education identified as a key enabler.

1.5 million children under the age of five die per year because of air and water pollution, exposure to toxic substances, together with other types of environmental harm. Children are the most vulnerable group to environmental harm, which also will contribute to disease, disability and early mortality throughout their life. It is also children who will be left with the disastrous effects of the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.

The Resolution, adopted at the 45th session of the Human Rights Council, on ‘Rights of the child: Realizing the rights of the child through a healthy environment’ urges States to take measures to ensure the rights of children and future generations in the face of environmental harm. This includes ‘recognizing a right to a healthy environment’ in national laws and policies, and ‘ensuring that the best interests of the child is a primary consideration with respect to environmental decision-making’.

…..