Summary

The Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, David R. Boyd, visited Chile from 3 to 12 May 2023 at the invitation of the Government. The purpose of the visit was to examine how Chile has been implementing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, to identify good practices and to investigate the environmental challenges that the country faces. Chile has a strong new climate change law and deserves credit for leadership related to closing coal-fired power plants, generating solar electricity and protecting a large proportion of its marine territory. Ongoing challenges include sacrifice zones, air pollution, access to safe and sufficient water, adapting to the climate crisis and effectively implementing environmental laws and policies. Among his recommendations, the Special Rapporteur encourages Chile to substantially increase the budget of the Ministry of the Environment, clean up the notorious sacrifice zones, strengthen air quality standards, reverse the privatization of water, continue to accelerate renewable energy generation and shift towards a circular economy.