Event Conference
Advancing a Human Rights-based Approach to Accelerate the Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste for People and the Planet | ICCM5 Side Event
27 Sep 2023
13:15–14:45
Venue: WCCB | Room Addis Abeba and Online | Youtube
Organization: United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council, Geneva Environment Network, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, United Nations Environment Programme, International Pollutants Elimination Network, International Trade Union Confederation
The Fifth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) will take place from 25 to 29 September in Bonn, Germany. This side event explored recent developments in our understanding of the interconnectedness between human rights, the environment and a just transition, and identify key entry points to strengthen a human rights-based approach to accelerate the global sound management of chemicals and waste.
About this Event
In July 2022, the General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution recognizing the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. The resolution, which followed recognition of the right by the Human Rights Council in October 2021 was an unprecedented decision, adopted with unparalleled support (161 votes in favour, no votes against, and eight abstentions).
In June 2022, the International Labour Conference adopted a resolution recognizing “a safe and healthy working environment” as a fundamental principle and right at work, supporting a just transition to a low-carbon world. And in June 2023, it adopted a resolution concerning a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all.
In May 2023, the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution regarding the impact of chemicals, waste and pollution on human health, which affirmed “the need to tackle pollution as a cornerstone of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”.
The adoption of these recent significant resolutions are important steps in securing the enjoyment for all people to non-toxic environments in which to live, work, study and play, ensuring effective, inclusive, evidence-based, accountable environmental action, and protecting human health and the environment. They also highlight that a human rights-based approach is essential for a post-2020 chemicals and waste strategy.
This event explored recent developments in our understanding of the interconnectedness between human rights, the environment and a just transition, and identify key entry points to strengthen a human rights-based approach to accelerate the global sound management of chemicals and waste.
Drawing upon the voices of the Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, UN entities, and representatives from civil society organizations, and States delegates, the panel shared specific examples of rights-based environmental action targeting chemicals and waste, highlighting how States can take more effective action through compliance with their obligations to respect, protect and fulfill human rights to meet the ambition and correspondent action required to effectively protect human health and the environment from chemicals and waste throughout their lifecycle.
Speakers
By order of intervention
Marcos ORELLANA
UN Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights
Santos VIRGÍLIO
Ministry of the Environment, Angola | SAICM Regional Focal Point for Africa
Joaquim PINTADO NUNES
Chief, Labour Administration, Labour Inspection and Occupational Safety and Health Branch, ILO
Rory O’NEILL
Labour and Occupational Health Adviser, International Trade Union Confederation
Sarojeni RENGAM
Executive Director, Pesticide Action Network PAN Asia Pacific
Rochelle DIVER
Indigenous Representative
Gohar KHOJAYAN
Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment and IPEN Member
Ana Paula DE SOUZA
Human Rights Officer, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights | Moderator
Highlights
Video
Live from the World Conference Center Bonn (WCCB)