Ávarp í umræðum um mannréttindi og umhverfið

HRC43

Thank you Mr. Vice-President,

Iceland thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report and efforts to implement the human right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

We concur with the Special Rapporteur that protecting the environment contributes to the fulfilment of human rights, and protecting human rights contributes to safeguarding the environment.

This point was highlighted by our Prime Minister when she visited the Council for the first time this past June. She has moved to propose two changes to the Icelandic Constitution that will solidify this right. The first amendment will clearly state that the natural resources of Iceland belong to the Icelandic people and their utilization shall always be sustainable. The other will reconfirm the right of all to a healthy environment and to have access to information and take part in public decision making on environmental matters.

With this change the right to a healthy environment will be firmly enshrined in the Icelandic constitution and will guide our approach for decades to come.

Mr. Vice-President,

We believe that the Council cannot stand by as the world deals with monumental changes to our environment. We therefore believe that it is time for the Human Rights Council to formally recognize the right to a safe, healthy and clean environment and our common responsibility to maintain it for future generations.

Iceland is committed to this effort.

I thank you.