UNHRC adopts resolution linking ocean protection and human right to a healthy environment

Posted 07 Apr 2025

2 min read

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has adopted a resolution recognising the critical connection between plastic pollution, ocean protection, and the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for the very first time.

Key Highlights of the Resolution

The protection of marine ecosystems is part of States’ obligations to protect human rights.
The degradation of the ocean threatens humanity and exacerbates inequalities and disproportionately affects marginalised populations.
Despite over 600 agreements, marine ecosystems face pressing threats including climate change, overfishing, extractivism, pollution, and deep-sea mining.

Interlinkages between Human Rights and Ocean Protection

Right to food: Healthy oceans, through fisheries, provide high-quality protein and micronutrients to millions. E.g., coral reefs support 500 million people with food.
Right to Livelihood: Nearly 2.4 billion people live within 100 km of coasts, many depending on fisheries, tourism, and ecosystems like mangroves for income.
Right to healthy environment: Ocean regulates the Earth’s climate, filters air and water, recycles nutrients and mitigates the impact of natural disasters.
Rights of future generations: Oceans as a carbon sink ensures stable climate for the future generations.

Constitutional and Legal Framework in India

Article 51A(g): Fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India Case (1986): Supreme Court recognized the right to a healthy environment as part of Right to Life under Article 21.
MK Ranjitsinh v Union of India Case (2024): Supreme Court adopted a balanced approach between conservation of endangered species and the fight against climate change.