Denial of right to a clean and healthy environment

The human right to a clean and healthy environment was first recognised in the landmark Stockholm Declaration.  In 2021, the United Nations Human Rights Council declared the right of access to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a universal human right; it was formally resolved by the UN General Assembly in 2022.

At the time of the resolution, most countries had already recognised the right to a healthy environment under law.  Thirty seven countries were yet to do so.