12 April 2022 
New York University 
On April 12, 2022, a Seminar on the UN Recognition of the Right to a Healthy Environment took place at NY University. This Seminar was organized by the Centre for Human Rights and Global Justice, the Universal Rights Group, the UN Special Rapporteur, and UNEP. The Global Pact Coalition was a co-sponsor of this event.
The Global Pact Coalition, along with a coalition of other non-governmental organizations, has led a campaign for the recognition of the right to a healthy environment by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
On April 12, 2022, a Seminar on the UN Recognition of the Right to a Healthy Environment took place at NY University. This Seminar was organized by the Centre for Human Rights and Global Justice, the Universal Rights Group, the UN Special Rapporteur, and UNEP. The Global Pact Coalition was a co-sponsor of this event.
During this event, the right to a healthy environment was at the core of all discussions, addressing its various declinations: for indigenous communities, children, civil society, businesses, and States.
“Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration, there has not been a right that received so much attention. More than 100 countries recognize the right to a healthy environment at a regional or national level. This is the most widely recognized Human Right in the world that has not been recognized at the UN level,” said John Knox, the former UN Special Rapporteur.
“Clearly climate change doesn’t affect us all equally. Indigenous peoples are more severely affected, along with youth and children in general.” – Adriana Salazar
“Recognition is necessary, but implementation is critically important. Citizens, communities, and civil society, through their action and climate litigation, are essential to hold States accountable.” David Boyd.
Costa Rica, speaking on behalf of the Core Group of countries who led the process to adopt the right to a healthy environment at the UN Human Rights Council, announced that the Core Group will now move forward with the process at UNGA, proposing a resolution recognizing the right to a healthy environment.
This is truly a great initiative. We thank the Core Group for their leadership, and we encourage all States to support the resolution.
