United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner
The second dialogue looked more closely at the substantive elements of the right to a healthy environment and their links with biodiversity, climate change, chemicals and waste, and environmental participation rights. Participants explored how environmental degradation can affect rights to life, health, an adequate standard of living, non-discrimination and participation in cultural life.
The discussion identified gaps in policy coherence and accountability, while highlighting opportunities to integrate human rights more systematically into environmental action. These included stronger use of participation and justice mechanisms, incorporation of human rights into the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and climate action, and a more holistic, rights-based approach to chemicals and waste management.
