Cyprus Takes Steps Towards Recognizing Environmental Rights
In a significant move towards environmental justice, the House human rights committee in Cyprus has embraced the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution on the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. The resolution, which ties the state of the environment to fundamental human rights, was backed by figures presented by Green MP Charalambos Theopemptou, highlighting the alarming number of deaths attributed to air pollution.
Theopemptou referenced data from the European Environment Agency, which estimates an annual toll of 600 to 800 deaths in Cyprus due to poor air quality. This stark statistic underscores the urgency of addressing environmental health issues. Volt MP Alexandra Attalides, who proposed the formal adoption of the UN resolution by Cyprus’ parliament, emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental quality and other human rights protected under international law.
The resolution further stipulates that safeguarding the right to a clean environment necessitates the rigorous enforcement of multilateral environmental agreements. Amendments were introduced to strengthen the resolution, including actions to protect Cyprus’ Natura 2000 sites, which are part of a network of nature protection areas in the territory of the European Union.
Committee chairwoman and Akel MP Irene Charalambidou expressed confidence that the resolution would pass in a full House vote, following its successful committee stage. The proposed amendments call for immediate action in drafting management plans for Natura 2000 areas and implementing conservation measures to rectify past breaches.
Attalides highlighted the importance of recognizing a healthy environment as a basic human right, a notion not yet solidified in international conventions or Cyprus’ constitution. She drew attention to a recent European Court of Human Rights ruling against Switzerland, brought forth by senior citizens and an NGO, which condemned the country’s inadequate response to climate change and its implications for human rights.
This legislative initiative in Cyprus could mark a pivotal step in integrating environmental stewardship with human rights protections, setting a precedent for other nations to follow suit in the global effort to combat air pollution and uphold environmental agreements.
