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, submits the present report in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 46/7. Herein, the Special Rapporteur summarizes key points from the expert seminar he convened on 24 and 25 October 2022. The seminar was focused on lessons learned from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, challenges, good practices, and opportunities related to human rights, pandemic prevention and addressing the environmental drivers causing a surge in zoonotic diseases. The report includes recommendations for human rights-based actions to reduce the risk of future pandemics.