Often
when we think of environmental issues we think of pollution, climate change and
the importance of recycling. True, these are important environmental issues,
but linking
the environment and human rights goes much deeper.
Having
a healthy and clean environment is necessary to fulfill people’s human rights
to life, health, water, food, work, culture, development, information and
participation. When the environment is damaged by irresponsible
economic development, human rights (the basic
standards we need to live with freedom and dignity) are
violated.
When industrial activity releases
toxic waste, it is polluting the air, the soil and the surrounding waters. Industry
affects animals and people,
and eventually damages climate.
Just think of the cotton industry behind fashion: human rights
are violated not only when children are forced to leave school to plant cotton,
but also when they go hungry because livestock is injured or farm land is too deteriorated
to plant food in it.
We, human
beings, are fundamentally bound together with the environment around us.
When
governments fail to involve local communities in sustainable development
projects, people’s rights to participation and information are being
violated. In order to truly promote the
well-being of people, it is necessary to think of environmental issues
regarding human rights.
So, we must go
after environmental justice. "Environmental justice" is the fair treatment and meaningful
involvement of all people in development and decision of environmental laws and
regulations; regardless of race, religion, national origin, income, etc.
Free access to information and free participation
in decision making must be guaranteed, as well as freedom of speech and
assembly must be protected for environmental defenders so they can speak out
without fear of persecution.
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