Statement of Iceland on human rights and the environment

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on

human rights an and the environment

4 March 2019

Statement by Iceland

Mr. President,

Iceland thanks the Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment for his latest report and its focus on clean air and the negative impact of air pollution on the enjoyment of many human rights. Air pollution is one of the silent killers of our world and has a devastating impact on our health and wellbeing.

The good news is that realising clean air for all goes hand in hand with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including healthy lives for all, sustainable cities, universal access to clean energy and effective action to address climate change. We have the tools needed and must redouble our efforts.

Mr. President,

For my delegation it was also particularly interesting to receive the concise overview of the different ways we have in our regional and sub-regional frameworks acknowledged that every person has the right to live in an environment adequate to his or her health and well-being.

It is becoming increasingly clear that we will, at the same time as we recognize this right, have to acknowledge the flip side of this coin; with this right also comes a responsibility and a duty, both individually and in association with others, to protect and improve the environment for the benefit of present and future generations.

The question we would therefore have for the Special Rapporteur is what he feels should be the next steps when it comes to bringing together and solidifying our common understanding of the right of every person to live in an environment adequate to his or her health and well-being?

I thank you.