Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights

In the present thematic report to the General Assembly, submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 54/10, the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, Marcos Orellana, elaborates on the State’s duty to prevent hazardous substances and waste from generating or deepening gendered injustices, especially against women and girls, gender-diverse persons and poor men, and especially when they are from marginalized communities.

Pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 54/10, the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, Marcos Orellana, presents to the Council his annual thematic report, in which he examines pollution information portals. These portals provide direct and contextual information on emissions and wastes to the public, businesses, regulators and other users. They are thus key to good environmental governance, corporate accountability and the implementation of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Despite their potential, a number of States have not established them. Also, a critical assessment reveals shortcomings of certain existing models, including insufficient pollution prevention mandates, the limited scope of the pollutants and activities covered, voluntary instead of mandatory reporting, and lack of integration with other environmental information systems. The report provides recommendations for States to establish and/or strengthen pollution information portals.