We live in a time of unprecedented crisis for our common future on Earth. From wildfires in Greece and Spain to floods in Belgium, no corner of the globe or human right is spared by the devastating impacts of climate breakdown, biodiversity loss and pollution. The science is clear about the need to take decisive actions now if we wish to safeguard humankind.

At different times in its history, the Council of Europe has been a leader and trailblazer in the protection of human rights. It can now play once again a vital difference by recognizing the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as an autonomous right. The UN General Assembly has already recognised this right as a universal human right in 2022, and over 160 countries already incorporate it into their national laws. 

Europe can no longer lag behind the rest of the world. That is what pushed us to found the Campaign for the Right to a Healthy Environment at the Council of Europe, bringing together civil society organizations and Indigenous Peoples organizations from across Europe.

Introducing a protocol to the European Convention of Human Rights is crucial for taking practical actions to protect our environment and make European states accountable for their actions. It is the right response to give to children and young people who have time and time again shown up for the future of humanity and the planet.

To recognize the right to a healthy environment at the Council level would ensure that states across Europe are bound to walk the talk together. It would also empower citizens to demand that governments be ambitious in their own plans to protect people and the environment.