The Global Coalition for the Right to a Healthy Environment has been announced as one of the winners of the prestigious UN Human Rights Prize for 2023. Comprised of more than 1,350 organizations and entities from 75 countries, the Coalition is a powerful advocate for the recognition of the universal right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Their efforts have played a vital role in achieving historic recognition of this right by the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly.
Established in 1966 by the General Assembly, the UN Human Rights Prize is awarded every five years to commend exceptional accomplishments in the field of human rights. The Global Coalition’s tireless work and dedication have earned them a rightful place among the esteemed recipients of this significant accolade.
With a diverse membership that includes civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, social movements, and local communities, the Global Coalition has pursued its mission to promote the right to a healthy environment on a global scale. Their collective efforts have resulted in the successful adoption of resolution 48/13 by the Human Rights Council on 8 October 2021, followed by the General Assembly’s resolution 76/300 on 28 July 2022.
By securing these groundbreaking resolutions, the Global Coalition has advanced the cause of environmental rights, ensuring that individuals and communities worldwide have the fundamental entitlement to live in a clean and sustainable environment. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for environmental justice and underscores the importance of safeguarding our planet for future generations.
The UN Human Rights Prize not only recognizes the Global Coalition’s instrumental role in advocating for the right to a healthy environment but also acknowledges the crucial impact they have made in promoting human rights as a whole. By addressing the interconnections between human rights and environmental protection, the Coalition serves as a steadfast advocate for a more inclusive, just, and sustainable world.
The Global Coalition’s receipt of this esteemed award serves as a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide. It underscores the urgency and importance of prioritizing environmental considerations in decision-making processes, legislation, and policies. Through their continued advocacy and mobilization, the Coalition strives to galvanize global support for the right to a healthy environment and bring about tangible change at all levels of society.
As we face profound challenges such as climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution, the protection of the environment must be firmly rooted in the framework of human rights. The Global Coalition’s tireless efforts have been instrumental in shifting the conversation and ensuring that environmental rights occupy a central place on the global human rights agenda.
By amplifying the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation and advocating for their rights, the Global Coalition has emerged as a powerful force for positive change. Their commitment to safeguarding the planet and promoting a healthier, more sustainable future is an inspiration to us all.
The recognition of the Global Coalition for the Right to a Healthy Environment through the UN Human Rights Prize serves as a reminder that the fight for environmental justice is an essential part of the broader struggle for human rights. As we forge ahead, let us draw strength from their accomplishments and work together towards a world where the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is universally recognized and protected.
