Source: European Parliament
At its meeting on 25 of September the Subcommittee on Human Rights presented a study on Environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) to highlight their courageous work in an increasing difficult environment.
The study “Environmental human rights defenders: New developments and their implications for the European Union and the European Parliament” reports on recent vital breakthroughs, driven partly by EHRDs, including recognition of the right to a healthy environment by the United Nations, as well as progress from voluntary guidelines to binding provisions on human rights and sustainability due diligence.
At the meeting MEPs discussed how current initiatives as the revision of the Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence Directive could threaten these advancements. It’s recommended for the EU to strengthen the realisation of EHRDs’ rights and their role as custodians of the right to a healthy environment, not only for themselves but also for others who cannot raise their voices.