HRC: Human rights and Environment

After its decision in March 2012, the Human Rights Council has appointed an Independent Expert on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment (Resolution 19/10). John Knox began his mandate in August 2012 and will submit his first report to the 22^nd session of the Human Rights Council in March 2013. 

Building on several other resolutions related to human rights and the environment and human rights and climate change, resolution 19/10 requests the Independent Expert to, among other things:
· Study the human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, in consultation with relevant stakeholders;
· Identify and promote best practices on the use of human rights obligations and commitments to inform, support and strengthen environmental policy making and prepare a compendium of best practices; and
· Make recommendations that could help the realization of the Millennium Development Goals, in particular Goal 7, and contribute a human rights perspective to the Rio +20 follow-up process.