UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 08th April 2025
UNHRC adopts resolution linking plastic pollution, ocean protection and human right to a healthy environment
Why in News?
UNHRC’s 2025 resolution recognised the linkage between plastic pollution, ocean protection, and the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
Introduction
- In a first, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) passed a historic resolution in its 58th session which, for the first time ever, acknowledges the interlinkage of plastic pollution, ocean conservation, and the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
- Adopted unanimously, the resolution marks a turning point in the global conversation on environmental protection and human rights.
Importance of the Resolution
It represents the first unified recognition by UN member states that plastic pollution poses significant risks to human rights.
It underscores that the combined impacts of plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss endanger the health of oceans and, consequently, the enjoyment of fundamental human rights.
Restates the 2021 UNHRC recognition and 2022 UNGA resolution regarding the right to a healthy environment.
Strengthens the human rights dimension of global environmental governance
Key Features of the Resolution
- Describes the ocean as one biome, vital for human life and the exercise of human rights.
- Acknowledges the uneven effect of ocean degradation on:
- Coastal populations
- Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
- Vulnerable groups
- Demands an approach to ocean governance informed by human rights, emphasizing:
- Inclusion
- Public involvement
- Protection of vulnerable communities
- Alignment with Forthcoming Global Events
- The resolution paves the way before two decisive conferences:
- UN Ocean Conference, Nice, France (June 9–13, 2025)
- Global Plastic Treaty Negotiations, Geneva (August 5–14, 2025)
- Declares that human rights should be central to all future global arrangements on plastic and ocean management.
Guiding Principles and Calls to Action
- Precautionary Principle: To avoid further harm to marine and coastal environments.
- Calls for comprehensive action throughout the plastics life cycle – production through disposal.
- Acknowledges the transboundary character of plastic pollution, including microplastic spread.
- Encourages restoration and sustainable biodiversity management by:
- Transparency and accountability
- Community participation
- Respect for Indigenous knowledge systems
Broader Implications
- Strengthens the Human Rights Council’s mandate as a linkage between environmental and human rights perspectives.
- Promotes international cooperation, including:
- Early warning systems
- Climate resilience measures
- Justice-centered environmental action
Conclusion
- This decision marks a paradigm shift by specifically connecting environmental degradation with human rights abuses.
- It provides the framework for an overarching, rights-based global environmental system, especially regarding ocean governance and plastic pollution, as countries gear up for final global negotiations in 2025.
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