Connection between Plastic Pollution, Ocean Protection, and Human Right

Context

Recently, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has adopted a resolution recognizing the critical connection between plastic pollutants, ocean protection, and human rights to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

Key Highlights  

• Interconnected Crises: Plastic pollutants, climate change, and biodiversity loss collectively threaten the health of the planet and the rights of future generations.
• Impact on Vulnerable Communities: Coastal groups and small island growing states are disproportionately suffering from ocean degradation and natural disasters.
  • The decision requires a human rights-based approach to ocean governance, emphasizing inclusion and protection for at-threat populations.
• Building on Previous UN Actions: The decision strengthens the Human Rights Council Recognition (2021) and the UN General Assembly Resolution (2022) putting forward the right to a healthy environment.
  • It was strongly encouraged by a document from the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to a Healthy Environment.  

Scale of Plastic Pollution 

• According to estimates, over 11 million metric heaps of plastic discover their way into the oceans annually.
  • If left unchecked, this figure ought to triple by 2040, causing irreparable harm to marine ecosystems.
• A tremendous part of ocean plastic pollution originates from single-use plastics, such as packaging and disposable gadgets.
• Plastic particles damage coral reefs, entangles marine species, and disrupts habitats.

Global Implications and Future Actions

• Influence on Upcoming Conferences: The resolution sets a strong precedent in advance of  primary activities:
  • UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France (June, 2025). 
  • Final negotiations for a global treaty to end plastic pollutants in Geneva (August, 2025).
• Strengthening International Agreements: Observers accept as true with this resolution will push human rights considerations to the leading edge of future global agreements on ocean and plastic pollutants governance.
• Integrating SDGs: Integrate SDG 14 (Life Below Water) with SDGs on poverty, gender, health, and weather justice.
• Call for Action: The resolution urges governments, industries, and civil society to integrate human rights duties into environmental policies and treaties.

Human Right to a Healthy Environment in India  

• Constitutional Provisions:

• • • Article 21 (Right to Life): The right to a healthy environment is derived from Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):

• • • • Article 48A: It directs the state to protect and improve the environment and protect forests and wildlife.
      • Article 51A(g): It imposes a duty on every citizen to protect and enhance the herbal environment, which includes forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.

• Judicial Activism:

• • MC Mehta v. Union of India and Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar: Supreme Court of India strengthened the right to a clean environment as a Fundamental Right.
    • Principles which include polluter pays, precautionary precept, and sustainable development were upheld by Courts in India.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (2018)

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