Context:

On April 4, 2025, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution that for the first time explicitly connects plastic pollution, ocean protection, and the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

Key Highlights of the Resolution

• The resolution was passed by consensus on the final day of the UNHRC’s 58th session (February 24 – April 4, 2025), and it builds upon previous UN actions to reinforce the human rights dimension of environmental protection.
• By linking the degradation of marine ecosystems to human rights violations, the resolution underscores the essential role of safeguarding oceans for the protection of human dignity and well-being. This approach emphasizes that the health of oceans is directly tied to the health of humanity, especially for those communities that are disproportionately impacted by ocean degradation.
• The resolution emphasizes the disproportionate impact of ocean degradation on vulnerable populations, including coastal communities and small island developing states (SIDS). These groups are often at the frontlines of the environmental crises caused by ocean pollution and climate change.

Importance of the resolution

• The adoption of this resolution comes at a crucial time, ahead of two major international events: the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France (June 9-13, 2025) and the final round of negotiations for a global treaty to combat plastic pollution, which will take place in Geneva in August 2025.
• Observers have noted that this resolution sets a powerful precedent for these upcoming discussions, making it clear that human rights should be at the core of any future international agreements on ocean and plastic pollution governance.

Key Actions and Recommendations for States

• The resolution urges all member states to take coordinated, decisive action across the entire lifecycle of plastic—from production and consumption to disposal.
• It recognizes the transboundary nature of plastic pollution, which affects not only marine ecosystems but also freshwater sources, posing a threat to clean water worldwide.
• To prevent further harm to marine and coastal ecosystems, the resolution calls for the application of the precautionary principle, ensuring that actions are taken before significant harm occurs.
• The resolution acknowledges the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in the sustainable management of natural resources. The resolution emphasizes the importance of integrating this knowledge into ocean governance, ensuring that these communities play a central role in shaping environmental policies and actions.

About United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC):

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations (UN) that is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world.

The UNHRC was established on March 15, 2006, by the UN General Assembly. 

Conclusion:

The UNHRC’s resolution marks a significant step toward linking environmental protection with human rights. By explicitly connecting the degradation of oceans and the widespread harm caused by plastic pollution with the right to a clean and healthy environment, the resolution sets the stage for a more inclusive and justice-oriented approach to environmental governance.