The densely populated coastline, fisheries, extensive tourism and maritime traffic, including the riverine inputs, have contributed to a continuous increase in marine litter over past decades (e.g. Santos, Friedrich and Barretto; Galgani et al. 2014; Rech et al. 2014; Unger and Harrison 2016). According to the International Coastal Cleanup Report (Ocean Conservancy 2017), cigarette butts are the most common item found at sea (see also Munari et al.
Towards living in harmony with nature: The human right to a healthy environment
In a landmark resolution adopted on 8 October 2021, the United Nations Human Rights Council recognised that a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a human right. Although the right to a healthy environment was already recognised by over 80 per cent of UN Member States through national law, court decisions or regional treaties, the Council's formal recognition marks a
In pursuit of intergenerational equity: The UN and children’s and youth’s right to a healthy environment
Children and youth, particularly those from the most vulnerable and marginalised backgrounds, are disproportionately impacted by all kinds of environmental harm. Despite being the least responsible, they are more exposed to it than any other group.
In June 2021, Heads of UN Entities made a joint commitment to promote the right of children, youth and future generations to a healthy
