In 2019, in its resolution 40/14, the Human Rights Council decided to focus its 2020 annual meeting on the rights of the child on the theme "Realizing the rights of the child through a healthy environment." It requested the High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report on this matter in cooperation with all stakeholders.

Summary

The report was presented to the Human Rights Council at its forty-fourth session in June 2020 to inform the annual day of discussion on children's rights. The report provides an overview of international legal obligations, business responsibilities and the relationship between a healthy environment and children's rights. It sets out the effects of environmental damage, climate change, and childhood exposure to pollution and toxic wastes on children, their rights and well-being. It contains a number of recommendations to States and businesses to strengthen the protection, promotion and fulfilment of children's rights through a healthy environment.