Human Rights and the Environment

Established in 2020, the EMG Issue Management Group (IMG) on Human Rights and the Environment works to integrate the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment across the UN system and promote a coherent, rights-based approach to environmental action.

The IMG supports implementation of the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action for Human Rights, including its focus on the rights of future generations and climate justice.

The IMG’s work is organized around three main areas:

1. Supporting rights-based action at country level

The IMG develops practical guidance, tools and training to help integrate human rights into environmental policies and programmes. This has included guidance on incorporating human rights into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and capacity-building support for UN Country Teams.

2. Integrating human rights into environmental processes

The IMG promotes rights-based approaches in multilateral environmental agreements and negotiations, including the Rio Conventions. It has developed common messages and key messages to support coherent UN engagement in environmental negotiations.

3. Building knowledge and capacity

The IMG strengthens understanding of the links between human rights and the environment through training, webinars and knowledge exchange. Its outputs include a Common Narrative on Human Rights and the Environment, training materials and practical guidance for the UN system.

The IMG is currently developing a UN Common Approach on the Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment to provide a shared framework for UN system action.

The IMG is co-chaired by OHCHR and UNDP and brings together 32 EMG member entities.