Parliamentary Committee Proposes Human Right to a Clean Environment
In a significant move towards environmental justice, the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights has taken a step forward with MP Alexandra Attalides spearheading a resolution plan. This plan seeks the adoption of Resolution A/RES/76/300 of the United Nations General Assembly, which recognizes the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
The resolution proposal was read out by Irene Charalambidou, the President of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, during a session on Monday. Charalambidou later expressed optimism about the resolution’s adoption by the Plenary, noting the unanimous support it received from committee members.
The committee’s deliberations included amendments to bolster the resolution. A key provision mandates that “the Republic of Cyprus must promptly prepare all management plans for Natura 2000 areas, introduce necessary conservation measures, and take immediate, drastic actions to address all violations.”
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Charalampos Theopemptou, an MP from the Ecologists’ Movement, cited European Environment Agency data indicating 600-800 premature deaths annually in Cyprus due to air pollution.
Independent MP Alexandra Attalides emphasized the importance of recognizing a healthy environment as a fundamental human right. Despite its recognition under EU law, this right is not yet enshrined in international conventions or the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus. Attalides also referenced a recent European Court of Human Rights ruling against Switzerland, which acknowledged climate change’s impact on human rights, including the right to life as per Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
The resolution proposal’s progress is a testament to Cyprus’ commitment to environmental protection and human rights. It underscores the growing recognition of environmental health as an essential component of human well-being and legal frameworks.
