Human rights and the environment.
| Publisher | UN Commission on Human Rights |
| Author | UN Commission on Human Rights (47th sess. : 1991 : Geneva) |
| Publication Date | 5 March 1991 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | E/CN.4/RES/1991/44 |
| Reference | 47 |
| Cite as | UN Commission on Human Rights, Human rights and the environment., 5 March 1991, E/CN.4/RES/1991/44, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3b00f0d624.html [accessed 23 October 2022] |
1991/44. Human rights and the environment
The Commission on Human Rights, Noting that scientific and technological progress is one of the decisive factors in the development of human society, Convinced of the paramount importance of the application of science and r technology to economic and social progress and to the promotion and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Aware that increasing environmental degradation caused by the negative influence of scientific and technological development has led in some cases to irreversible changes in the environment, which threaten life-sustaining D ecosystems and undermine health, well-being, development prospects and the very survival of life on the planet, Convinced that the preservation of life-sustaining ecosystems under conditions of rapid scientific and technological development is of vital importance for the protection of the human species and the promotion of human rights, Aware that poverty and underdevelopment constitute causes of environmental degradation and that therefore efforts towards promoting environmentally sustainable development are essential if everyone is to live in an environment adequate for his or her health and well-being, Reaffirming that, in accordance with principle 1 of the Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm from 5 to 16 June 1972, men and women have the fundamental right to freedom, equality and adequate conditions of life, in an environment of a quality that permits a life of dignity and well-being, and that they bear a solemn responsibility to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations, Recalling that, in accordance with the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, everyone has the right to an adequate standard of living for his own health and well-being and that of his family and to the continuous improvement of living conditions, Noting that the States parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognize the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and agree, for that purpose, to take the steps necessary for the improvement of all aspects of environmental and industrial hygiene, Recalling General Assembly resolution 44/228 of 22 December 1989 on a United Nations conference on environment and development, to be held in Brazil in 1992, Taking note of Commission on Human Rights resolution 1990/41 of 6 March 1990 and Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities resolution 1990/7 of 30 August 1990 and General Assembly resolution 45/94 of 14 December 1990,1. Recognizes that all individuals are entitled to live in an environment adequate for their health and well-being;
2. Endorses the decision of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, in its resolution 1990/7, to entrust Mrs. Fatma Zohra Ksentini, Special Rapporteur, with the task of preparing a study on human rights and the environment;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to invite Governments, the United Nations organs, the specialized agencies and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, including indigenous peoples' organizations, to provide Mrs. Ksentini with information relevant for the preparation of her report;
4. Recommends to the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development that Mrs. Ksentini be invited to participate as an observer at the sessions of the Preparatory Committee and the Conference;
5. Requests the Special Rapporteur to complete a study on human rights and the environment and to submit the relevant report to the Sub-Commission at its forty-third session with a view to making a timely contribution to the Preparatory Committee of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development;
6. Recommends to the Economic and Social Council the adoption of the following draft decision:
[For the text, 'see chap. I, sect. B, draft decision 12]
52nd meeting5 March 1991
[Adopted by 39 votes to 1, with
I abstention. See chap. XIV.]
