We are thrilled to announce the release of our collective submission addressing the draft General Comment on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) and the Environmental Dimension of Sustainable Development.
Key Themes and Recommendations
The submission highlights critical aspects of the interplay between human rights, environmental justice, and sustainable development, including:
- Recognizing systemic racism, conflict, and foreign occupation as both a cause and consequence of environmental degradation, and the need for States to uphold international human rights and humanitarian law to address these challenges.
- Advocating for a paradigm shift from growth-led development models to equitable and sustainable socio-economic frameworks to realize intergenerational justice.
- Proposing measures to ensure States protect vulnerable and marginalized populations from environmental harm and corporate influence, while advancing climate adaptation, just and equitable transition, and human rights-based, community-led solutions.
The document also includes concrete textual changes to the draft General Comment, addressing some key issues such as:
- State obligations to address the climate crisis, protect ecosystems, and stop corporate capture.
- Strengthening the right to self-determination..
- Advocating for remedies and accountability in cases of environmental destruction, particularly in conflict-affected areas including situations of peoples under occupations, and racial domination.
Why It Matters
This submission amplifies the voices of civil society and grassroots movements in shaping global standards that protect both human rights and our planetary boundaries. It urges States to act with urgency and accountability in addressing climate change, environmental degradation, and structural inequalities that perpetuate harm to peoples and ecosystems.
Access the Submission
The full text of the collective submission is now available. Find attached the document in English, Spanish, French and Arabic, and join us in advocating for systemic change through transformative global action.