UNEP Promotes Environmental Defenders

This policy proposes how UN Environment can promote greater protection for individuals and groups who are defending their environmental rights, and identifies solutions to mitigate the abuse of environmental rights which affects a growing number of people in many parts of the world.
UN Environment derives its overall mandate from UN General Assembly Resolution 2997 (XXVII) (1972) and aims to provide leadership and encourage partnerships in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and people to improve their quality of life, without compromising that of future generations

UN Environment’s mandate is strengthened by:
1. UN Human Rights Council Resolutions on Human Rights and the Environment, most recently Resolution 34/20, which call on UN Environment to enhance cooperation with other agencies to exchange information and build synergies in the protection of human rights and the protection of the environment;
2. UN Environment Programme Governing Council Decision 27/9 on advancing justice, governance and law for environmental sustainability;
3. The outcome of the meeting of senior government officials expert in environmental law on the midterm review of the fourth Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law (Montevideo Programme IV) which identified human rights and the environment as an emerging priority area; and
4. UN Environment Assembly Resolution 2/19 on the Midterm review of Montevideo Programme IV.