On the occasion of the launch of the Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment’s report to the 43^rd session of the Council (A/HRC/43/53), this side-event is organized to discuss good practices of States in recognizing and implementing the right to live in a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. This fundamental human right is now recognized in law by more than 80 per cent (156 out of 193) of States Members of the United Nations. The procedural elements of the right are access to information, public participation, and access to justice and effective remedies. The substantive elements include clean air, a safe climate, access to safe water and adequate sanitation, healthy and sustainably produced food, non-toxic environments in which to live, work, study and play, and healthy biodiversity and ecosystems. The side-event will focus on introducing good practices and discuss how the accelerated diffusion and adoption of good practices will help protecting human rights in the era of multiple environmental crises. It will also discuss the role of the Council in accelerating the universal recognition and enjoyment of the right to a healthy environment.

In particular, the panel discussion will elaborate on the following questions:

1. What are the benefits of learning about good practices? How effective are they? How can they be replicated elsewhere?
2. How can we make the best use out of the good practices in making changes on the ground?
3. What opportunities are there to further promote, implement and fulfill the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment for the universal enjoyment of the right?
4. What are the concrete recommendations that can be made by the UN Human Rights Council in the promotion, protection and fulfilment of the right to live in a healthy environment for all?