Mr Boyd,

Allow me to thank you on behalf of the EU for your report on Human rights in relation to the non-toxic environment. It is most welcome that it was developed in collaboration with the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes.

We commend the excellent work you have been doing as special rapporteur since 2018, examining and clarifying obligations related to the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment throughout your reports.

We welcome the adoption of the UNEP@50 Political Declaration that recognizes that a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is important for the enjoyment of human rights.

In your latest report you analyse in detail the worrying toxification of planet Earth and of people. You elaborate on environmental injustices and “sacrifice zones”, which are extremely contaminated areas, where persons in vulnerable and marginalized situations bear a disproportionate burden. On the other hand, you also elaborate on several examples of good practices in cases involving pollution and toxic substances which illustrates the potential to prevent and/or rehabilitate toxics zones.

On a related note, the EU is highly concerned about the harmful impact that the Russian military aggression, against Ukraine and its people, will have on the environment. Any threats to the safety or military actions directed at NPPs (Nuclear power plants) in Ukraine are unacceptable. The ecological consequences of this invasion will threaten human lives and health with immediate and long-term effects.

Protecting the health of people, especially of those in most vulnerable situations, and the environment is a priority for us. We are proud of our strong regulatory framework for toxic substances- which your report also acknowledges- and we are committed to strengthen it even further.  As part of the European Green Deal we have developed a “chemical strategy for sustainability” to continue progress towards a toxic-free environment and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Developmental Goals. We continue making our efforts to protect health and environment and we encourage all UN Member states to take the necessary steps to secure a healthy environment for all of us, worldwide.

Mr Boyd, in your report you mentioned that this is the sixth report in a series of thematic reports addressing the substantive elements of the right to a, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, including clean air, healthy ecosystems and biodiversity, safe and sufficient water and healthy and sustainable food. Could you elaborate a bit more on your future plans?

I thank you