The profound connections between human rights and the environment have become increasingly apparent and explicit in recent years. These developments led the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, in September 2022, to adopt Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)20 to member States on human rights and the protection of the environment. This recommendation calls on member States to reflect on the nature, content and implications of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and to actively consider recognising this right at the national level, as well as to implement a series of recommendations, principles and guidance set out in appendix. The recommendation is accompanied by a detailed explanatory report.
➢ Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)20 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on human rights and the protection of the environment
➢ Appendix to Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)20
➢ Explanatory memorandum to Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)20
A. Introduction
B. The right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment
C. General principles of environmental protection
D. Protection of existing rights
E. Protection of persons in vulnerable situations
F. Access to information and justice, participation in the decision-making process, and education on sustainable development
G. Civil society and inclusivity
H. Business enterprises
