International

International Developments

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Commission for Environmental Cooperation Pollutants and Health Program Seek Cooperation to Correct Pollution's Adverse Effects - 2002
The CEC Pollutants and Health Program seeks to establish cooperative initiatives to prevent or correct adverse effects, on a North American scale, from pollution to human and ecosystem health. Guidance on methods to accomplish this mission is embodied within the language of Article 10 of NAAEC.

Joint-Advisory Panel to NACEC Recommends Examination of Pollution’s Effect on Children - 2002
The joint advisory panel to the NACEC (which combines the National Advisory Committee to the U.S. Representative and the Government Advisory Committee to the U.S. Representative) recommended in May, 2002 that effects of air pollution & toxics on children's health be prioritized on the U.S. agenda at the next NACEC meeting.

Submission Alleges that Mexico have Failed to Enforce Environmetnal Law Pertaining to Citizen Complaint Process (NACEC, Sierra Tarahumara) - 2002
The Submitters allege a failure by Mexico to effectively enforce its environmental law by denying access to environmental justice to Indigenous communities in the Sierra Tarahumara in the State of Chihuahua. They particularly assert failures to effectively enforce environmental law relative to the citizen complaint process, to alleged environmental crimes and to other alleged violations with respect to forest resources and the environment in the Sierra Tarahumara.

Submission Alleges that Un-treated Wastewater is Being Discharged into the Magdalena River (NACEC, Rio Magdalena) - 2002
The Submitters allege that wastewater originating in the municipalities of Imuris, Magdalena de Kino, and Santa Ana, located in the Mexican state of Sonora, is being discharged into the Magdalena River without prior treatment.

Submission Alleges that Mexico has Failed to Enforce Environmental Law Governing Metal Smelting (NACEC, Molymex II) - 2002
This submission alleges that Mexico has failed to effectively enforce its environmental laws in relation to the operation of the company Molymex, S.A. de C.V. in the town of Cumpas, Sonora, Mexico. The company processes residues generated in the smelting of copper by national and foreign companies to produce molybdenum trioxide, causing damage and loss to human health and the environment.

Submission Assert that Mexico is Failing to Enforce Laws Governing Hazardous Waste Landfill (NACEC, Cytrar) - 2002
This submission asserts that Mexico is failing to effectively enforce its environmental law in relation to the establishment and operation of a hazardous waste landfill near the city of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. On July 29, 2002, the Secretariat informed Council that the Secretariat considers that the submission warrants development of a factual record.

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Holds First General Hearing on Effects of Environmental Degradation on Human Rights (IACHR) - 2002
On October 16, 2002, the Commission held a special "General Hearing" on the effects of Environmental Degradation on the Realization of Human Rights in the Hemisphere. This hearing marked the first time that the IACHR formally and specifically addressed the linkages of human rights to the environment in a General Hearing.

Organization of American States General Assembly Passes Resolution on Human Rights and the Environment - 2002
On June 4, 2002, at its fourth plenary session, the OAS General Assembly passed a Resolution on Human Rights and Environment in the Americas. In that Resolution, the OAS "underscored the importance of studying the link that may exist between the environment and human rights."

E.U. Court of Human Rights Furthers Jurisprudence on the Application of Right to Privacy to Address Environmental Harms (Hatten and Others v. the United Kingdom) - 2002
In the case of Hatten and Others v. the United Kingdom, the European Court of Human Rights furthered its growing jurisprudence on the application of the right to privacy to environmental harms. The Chamber found on October 2, 2001 that noise from overnight air traffic at Heathrow Airport violated the right to privacy and inviolability of the home and family of nearby residents under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

European Parliament and Council of the European Community Adopt Sixth Community Environment Action Programme.  - 2002
On July 22, 2002, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Community adopted the Commission’s proposed Sixth Community Environment Action Programme. The preamble states: "A clean and healthy environment is essential for the well-being and prosperity of society." The programme identifies four priority areas for the Community; climate change, nature and biodiversity, environment and health, and natural resources and waste.

European Commission Charges Eight E.U. Member States with Violating Water Quality Directives  - 2002
The European Commission charged eight E.U. Member States with violating water quality directives (France, Greece, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Spain, and the UK).

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Contributes Report to World Summit: Financing Environmental Dimensions of Sustainable Development  - 2002
The OECD developed various inputs to the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from August 26 – September 4, 2002. These included a report in which the OECD recognized the link between human rights and a healthy environment in various ways.

World Health Organization Releases a Draft Report on the State of Science of Endocrine Disrupters - 2002
The WHO, together with the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme, released a final draft of a report on the state of the science of endocrine disruptors. The report calls for further research and investigation of the impacts of these chemicals on human (and wildlife) health.

World Bank Inspection Panel Receives Request on Oil Pipeline (World Bank, Chad-Cameroon) - 2002
On September 25, 2002, the Panel received a Request from the Centre for the Environment and Development (CED) claiming that activities related to the construction of an oil pipeline between Cameroon and neighboring Chad represent a threat to local communities and the environment.

World Bank Inspection Panel Receives Request on the Yacyretá Hydroelectric Dam (World Bank, Paraguay-Argentina) - 2002
On May 17, 2002, the Panel received a Request for Inspection of the social and environmental impacts of the Yacyretá Hydroelectric Dam and others. The Request alleged that due to inadequate project supervision by the Bank, the 4,000 requesting families were excluded from resettlement compensation and mitigation programs in spite of the fact that they have owned and occupied lands affected by the dam for more than 20 years.

World Bank Inspection Panel Finds Numerous Violations of Bank Operational Policy in Uganda Projects (Uganda) - 2002
In regard to the investigation of two power plants in Uganda, the Panel found that the projects had not complied with numerous operational guidelines. For instance, environmental impact assessments, resettlement plans, an informational disclosure were deemed inadequate. The Management approved actions based on the Panel's findings.

U.N. Environmental Programme Asserts that Conflicts in Israel and Afghanistan have Caused Serious Environmental Impacts - 2002
The UNEP Governing Council agreed that the conflicts in Israel and Afghanistan have caused serious environmental impacts. Recognized problems affecting both the state of the environment and human rights include: contaminated water supplies, land degradation and lack of proper waste disposal.

UNICEF/World Health Organization Report that Environmental Quality is a Key Factor in Early Human Development  - 2002
Released in May 2000 for the UN Special Session on Children and the World Summit on Sustainable Development, UNICEF/WHO published a report that maintains that environmental quality is a key factor in determining whether a child survives the first years of life, and strongly influences the child's subsequent physical and mental development.

UNCECSR Make First Formal Declaration That Secure Drinking Water is a Human Right  - 2002
On November 27, 2002, the Committee issued a General Comment interpreting the provisions of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, declaring formally for the first time that secure drinking water is a human right. "Water should be treated as a social and cultural good, and not primarily as an economic commodity," the Committee said.

Global Environment Facility Assembly Approves Commitment to Combat Land Degradation and POPs  - 2002
On October 18, 2002, at its second Assembly meeting in Beijing, China, Mohamed T. El-Ashry, Chairman and CEO of the United Nations Global Environment Facility announced the Assembly's approval of the GEF’s Commitment to Land Degradation and Persistent Organic Pollutants Projects.

U.N. Commission on Refugees Affirms Close Link Between Human Well-Being and a Healthy Environment - 2002
UNHCR’s publication, Protecting Refugees, states "[a]lthough environmental concerns have taken a back seat to humanitarian needs . . ., the close links between the well-being of human populations and a healthy environment are being increasingly recognized"

World Summit on Sustainable Development Recognizes Link Between Human Rights and the Environment (Johannesburg)  - 2002
The final written product of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, South Africa), the Plan of Implementation, recognizes the link between human rights and environmental health in several ways.

Special Rapporteur Defines Drinking Water and Sanitation as Part of the Right to a Healthy Environment - 2002
Pursuant to Decision 2002/105 of the Commission and Resolution 2001/2 of the Sub Commission, on June 25, 2002, Special Rapporteur El Hadji Guissé published a preliminary report on the "relationship between the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights and the promotion of the realization of the right to drinking water supply and sanitation."

U.N. Sub-Commission Publishes Report of Workshop on Indigenous People, Resource Extraction, and Human Rights (UNSCPPHR) - 2002
On June 17, 2002, the Sub-Commission published a report of the Workshop on Indigenous People, Private Sector Natural Resource, Energy and Mining Companies and Human Rights, held in Geneva in December 2001. The workshop concluded, inter alia, that "a precondition for the construction of equitable relationships between indigenous peoples, States and the private sector is the full recognition of indigenous peoples' rights to their lands, territories and natural resources."

U.N. Commission on Human Rights Passes Resolution Reaffirming the Rio Declaration (2002/75) - 2002
In Resolution 2002/75, entitled "Human rights and environment as part of sustainable development," the Commission reaffirmed the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and Agenda 21, adopted on 14 June 1992 by the Conference.

U.N. Commission on Human Rights Passes Resolution Affirming Right to Highest Attainable Standard of Health (2002/31) - 2002
In Resolution 2002/31, entitled "The right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health," the Commission reaffirmed that "the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health is a human right" A healthy environment is prerequisite to physical and mental health.

U.N. Commission on Human Rights Passes Resolution on Globalization's Impact on Human Rights and Environmental Health (2002/28) - 2002
In Resolution 2002/28, entitled "Globalization and its impact on full enjoyment of human rights," the Commission recognized "that globalization should be guided by the fundamental principles that underpin the corpus of human rights." Globalization without concern for environmental health would undermine this resolution because environmental health is a fundamental component of several human rights, including, for example, the right to food.

U.N. Commission on Human Rights Passes Resolution on Dumping of Toxic Waste (2002/27) - 2002
In Resolution 2002/27, entitled “Adverse effects of the illicit movement and dumping of toxics,” the Commission reiterated Resolution 2001/35 and prior resolutions by reaffirming that "the illicit movement and dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes constitute a serious threat to the human rights to life and the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical health."

U.N. Commission Adopts General Comment on Right to Water (ECOSOC) - 2002
In November 2002, the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights adopted a General Comment on the right to water, referring to article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. The General Comment states: "The human right to drinking water is fundamental for life and health."

Basel Convention Working Group Set Technical Guidelines for Disposal of Plastics - 2002
In January 2002, a Basel Convention working group on human rights and the environment adopted a set of technical guidelines to protect human health and the environment from the improper management and disposal of plastic wastes, which were sent for comment to the Sixth Conference of the Parties in December 2002.

Basel Convention Working Group Set Technical Guidelines for Disposal of Plastics - 2002
In January 2002, a Basel Convention working group on human rights and the environment adopted a set of technical guidelines to protect human health and the environment from the improper management and disposal of plastic wastes, which were sent for comment to the Sixth Conference of the Parties in December.

Mexican Environmental Ministry Makes Efforts to Improve Transparency - 2002
Semarnat, Mexico's Environment Ministry, is the first agency in Mexico to comply with the new Federal Law of Transparency and Access to Public Governmental Information. In Tijuana, a newly drafted Municipal Environmental Code grants citizens the right to know the content of factory emissions and to enforce this law.

Canadian EPA Designates Smog Toxicity Based on Threat to Human Health - 2002
The Canadian Environmental Protection Agency proposed designation of certain components of smog as toxic substances based on data that these substances pose a threat to human life and health. This proposed designation demonstrates the link between a healthy environment, in particular clean air, and the fundamental human rights to life and health.

Austria Declares Right to an Ecologically Functional Landscape a Human Right - 2002
In its Implementation Strategy for the Convention on Biodiversity, the Austrian government declared "[t]he right to ecologically functional landscapes that are intact on a regional level is viewed as a fundamental human right. It is the ethical responsibility of every citizen to help preserve this cultural and natural heritage, including the diversity of animals and plants."

Costa Rican President Signed a Ban of all Open Pit Mining - 2002
In June 2002, Costa Rican President Abel Pacheco signed a decree banning open pit mining in Costa Rica, halting all open pit exploration and mining projects awaiting government approval. President Pacheco said the decree was aimed at protecting Costa Rica's environmental wealth.

Costa Rican Government Rejects Offshore Oil Exploration - 2002
In May, 2002, the government of Costa Rica rejected a plan to open its Caribbean waters to offshore oil exploration, rejecting the environmental impact study presented by MKJ Xplorations, a member of the US-based Harken Costa Rican Holdings, citing more than 50 legal and environmental problems.

Brazilian Court Affirms Human Right to Water - 2002
A recent decision of the Special Jurisdiction Appellate Court for the State of Paraná affirmed the human right to clean water. The court reasoned that when a person suffered from an illness requiring basic access to water, the right to health supersedes the contractual legality of discontinuing the water supply.

U.S. Court of Appeals Dismisses Case Against Texaco (Jota et al. and Aguinda et. al v. Texaco, Ecuador and Peru) - 2002
In a decision issued on August 16, 2002, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the lower court's decision to dismiss the case. The Court of Appeals, however, did not adopt the district court's finding that plaintiffs would be unlikely to state a claim for a violation of international law.

Case Brought Against Chevron For Human Rights Abuses in Nigeria (Bowoto v. Chevron, United States)  - 2002
In May of 1999, victims of gross human rights abuses associated with Chevron's oil production activities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria filed suit against Chevron in federal court in San Francisco. It was filed under the Alien Tort Claims Act, which permits suits in U.S. courts against individuals or corporations that commit international human rights violations anywhere in the world.

Case Brought Against DynCorp for Aerial Spraying of Herbicide in Columbia (Arias v. DynCorp, United States) - 2003
This case, involves DynCorp's aerial spraying of herbicides on the Colombian side of the Ecuador/Colombia border as part of the U.S. government's "Plan Colombia" coca eradication program. Plaintiffs allege that DynCorp knew or should have known that the herbicides were highly toxic if inhaled, and nonetheless sprayed these herbicides despite knowing that winds would carry them into areas of Ecuador where the plaintiffs live.

U.S. Court of Appeals Will Allow Human Rights Lawsuit Against Unocal (Doe v. Unocal) - 2003
On September 18, 2002, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed an earlier Federal District Court decision and will allow a human rights lawsuit against Unocal to go forward. In the case, 11 Burmese villagers allege that Unocal, a California based oil company, are liable for human rights abuses associated with its Yadana gas pipeline project in Burma.

Russian Supreme Court Affirmed Sentence of Environmental Whistle Blower (Military Supreme Court, Case No. VKPI 01-68)  - 2003
The Supreme Court affirmed Pasko's sentence on June 25, 2002, and he was moved to the hard labor prison camp on September 10th, 2002. This decision deals a significant blow to link between the environment and the right to free speech and illustrates the urgency of further recognition of such link.

U.S. Navy Transfers Land to Department of Interior for Wildlife Refuge (Puerto Rico) - 2003
As of May 1, 2003, the United States Navy officially transferred land previously used for weapons testing at East Vieques, Puerto Rico, to the Department of the Interior for use as a wildlife refuge. As part of the transfer, the Navy agreed to address environmental contamination resulting from its activities.

Vietnamese Plaintiffs Sue U.S. Chemical Companies over Injuries Caused by Agent Orange - 2004
Three Vietnamese plaintiffs filed suit in federal district court in New York against ten U.S. chemical manufacturers on January 30, 2004, seeking damages for injuries they sustained on account of the spraying of Agent Orange by the U.S. military. The Agent Orange-dioxin litigation has the potential to establish that a right to a healthy environment limits the kinds of damage that may permissibly be inflicted in war.

Tanzania's Commission for Human Rights Condemns Africa Mashariki Gold's Intimidation of Village Residents . - 2004
The Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance enjoined all actions to persuade village residents into accepting compensation offered by the Afrika Mashariki Gold Mine, a gold mining company, for damage to their homes. The villagers alleged that the local officials threatened to imprison them if they rejected the compensation offer.

Peru Terminates Plans for Open Pit Gold Mine over Environmental Concerns - 2003
On December 10, 2003, Centromin Peru, an agency of the Peruvian government, terminated a would-be mining concessionaire's option to build an open-pit gold and copper mine in Tambogrande, a town in a major mango and lime-producing region. Local farmers contended that the mine would contaminate the air and water supplies and destroy their livelihood.

Malaysia Brings Claim Against Singapore Sand Dredgers for Violations of the Law of the Sea - 2003
Illegal sand dredging activities prompted the government of Malaysia to bring a claim for provisional relief against the government of Singapore before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in September 2003.

Iraq Government Attempts to Undue Human Rights Damage Caused by Draining of Marshes  - 2003
Efforts are underway to restore the marshes of the Tigris/Euphrates river system in Iraq, which were drained by the former dictator Saddam Hussein in an effort to control and persecute the Ma'dan people who live there. The human rights impact of the drainage project is well documented.

The President of Indonesia Places Moratorium on Exploitation of Sea Sand  - 2003
The President of Indonesia has ordered a moratorium on the exploitation of sea sand. The decree was motivated by the damage to the coastal and marine ecosystem, the hardship imposed on fishermen, and the drop of sea sand prices.

Argentina Court Approves Petition for Community Seeking Relief from Sewage Pollution - 2003
In November, 2003, the Civil and Commercial Court of the Province of Cordoba, Argentina, approved a petition, filed by the community of Chacras de la Merced, seeking relief from a polluting sewage treatment plant. The court ordered local authorities to provide, within 24 hours, 200 liters of clean water per person per day to the affected families.

Canadian Supreme Court Upholds Polluter-Pays Principle (Imperial Oil Ltd. v. Quebec)  - 2003
The Canadian Supreme Court gave effect to the polluter-pays principle and upheld, against allegations of unfair bias, an order by the Quebec Minister of the Environment directing Imperial Oil to undertake a soil contamination study. The Court found that the Minister's power to order studies like that required of Imperial Oil was based on principles firmly entrenched in environmental law in Canada and also recognized at the international level, for example, in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.

Article 10 of North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation Dictates CEC Pollutants and Health Program - 2003
The CEC Pollutants and Health Program seeks to establish cooperative initiatives to prevent or correct adverse effects, on a North American scale, from pollution to human and ecosystem health. Guidance on methods to accomplish this mission is embodied within the language of Article 10 of NAAEC.

North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation Workshop Highlights Vulnerability of Children to Poor Environmental Conditions  - 2003
In February 2003, the NACEC held a workshop on risk assessment and children’s environmental health. The background document for the workshop pointed out the particular vulnerability of children to poor environmental conditions along with the fact that children can have disproportionately higher exposures to many environmental toxicants than adults.

Submission Asserts that Mexico is Failing to Enforce Laws Governing Mining Project (NACEC, EL Boludo Project) - 2003
This submission asserts that Mexico is failing to effectively enforce its environmental laws with respect to the El Boludo mining project on the El Tiro site. The submitters assert that the company is violating the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection and applicable provisions of hazardous waste and mining laws and regulations.

Submission Asserts that Mexico is Failing to Enforce Law against Hazardous Waste Landfill (NACEC, Cytrar III) - 2003
In August 2003, the Secretariat received a submission alleging that Mexico is failing to enforce its environmental law at a hazardous waste landfill owned by Cytrar.

Submission Asserts that Canada is Failing to Enforce Fisheries Act (NACEC, Montreal)  - 2003
This submission, filed by several Canadian and United States environmental NGOs asserts that Canada is failing to effectively enforce the federal Fisheries Act against the City of Montreal with regard to discharge of toxic pollutants from the city’s Technoparc site into the St. Lawrence River. Submitters cited information on the adverse effects of the discharges on human health and aquatic ecosystems. The Secretariat has not issued a decision on whether to recommend a factual record.

Submission Asserts that Mexico is Failing to Enforce Environmental Laws (NACEC , Lake Chapala) - 2003
The Secretariat received a submission alleging that Mexico is failing to enforce its environmental laws with respect to the Lerma-Chapala-Santiago-Pacifico basin, which has produced environmental deterioration and uneven water distribution in the basin, as well as the danger that the lake and its migratory bird population will disappear altogether.

Submission Asserts That Mexico Is Failing to Hazardous Waste Laws (NACEC, Alca-Iztapalapsa II) - 2003
This submission asserts that Mexico is failing to effectively enforce its environmental laws with respect to pollution of hazardous waste at a particular footwear materials factory which the submitter claims has affected his health and the health of his family. In December 2003, the Secretariat began considering whether to recommend a factual record, but has yet to report a decision on the matter.

Submission Asserts Canada is Failing to Enforce Canadian Environmental Protection Act (NACEC, Ontario) - 2003
In May 2003, 49 Canadian and United States NGOs filed a submission to the NACEC asserting that emissions of mercury, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides from Ontario Power Generation’s coal-powered facilities pollute air and water downwind in the northeastern United States and Eastern Canada and that Canada has failed to enforce the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Fisheries Act

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Admits Petitions Alleging Paraguay's Violation of American Convention (Sawhoyamaxa Indigenous Community) - 2003
On February 20, 2003, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights decided that two petitions alleging violations of the American Convention and Constitution of the Republic of Paraguay, were admissible. In addition, they argue that the members of the Community are living in sub-human conditions; as a result, several people, including minors, have died due to lack of adequate food and lack of medical care.

European Commission Pursues Legal Action against Environmental Law Infringement (2003) - 2003
During 2003, the European Commission issued formal request and took legal action against several states regarding non-compliance with environmental laws. Article 226 of the Treaty Establishing the European Community gives the Commission the power to take legal action against a Member State that is not respecting its treaty obligations.

European Commission Launch Pollutant Emission Register - 2004
In February 2004, the European Commission and the European Environment Agency launched the European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER), which will be publicly accessible on the internet and will be the first Europe-wide register of industrial emissions into air and water. The EPER has been reported as a tool to enable European citizens to exercise their "right to know."

European Commission Agrees on new Environmental Liability Directive - 2003
In February 2004, agreement was reached on the new Environmental Liability Directive. The new Directive is the first EU law to use the “polluter pays” principle and will ensure that those who cause environmental damage will be held responsible.

European Commission Adopts First Environmental Policy Review - 2003
In December 2003, the European Commission adopted its first Environmental Policy Review, with one of its key messages being to promote sustainable development on a global scale. With regard to health and the environment, the review recognized that protection of human health from environmental threats has been a continuous goal for EU environmental policy.

European Commission Reports More Measures Needed to meet Kyoto Targets - 2003
In December 2003, the European Commission adopted a progress report that found that the EU will miss its emission targets under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol unless EU member states take on additional measures and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

European Commission Adopts REACH Proposal on Chemical Policy - 2003
In October 2003, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new chemical policy in the EU. Under the new system, called REACH (registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals), manufacturers and importers of chemicals will be required to register their chemicals in a central database with information on uses, safe handling, and properties.

E.U. Commission Presents Proposal for Regulating Waste from Extractive Industry - 2003
The Commission presented a proposal for a Directive to regulate the management of waste from extractive industries, namely mining and quarrying, in June 2003. The Directive was initiated because of the potential of such waste to produce serious threats to the environment and human health in the absence of proper management.

European Commission Adopts Legislative Proposals Towards Full Application of Arhus Convention.  - 2003
In late 2003, the Commission also adopted legislative proposals towards full application of the Århus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Global Forum Discusses Financing Water for All - 2003
In December 2003, the OECD held a Global Forum for Sustainable Development in which it provided as a background document a report entitled "Financing Water for All."

World Bank Inspection Panel Receives a Request on Petroleum Pipeline (Cameroon)  - 2002
On September 25, 2002, the Panel received a Request from the Centre for the Environment and Development (CED) representing several residents of Mpango village (Kribi), The Request claimed that activities related to the construction of an oil pipeline between Cameroon and neighboring Chad represent a threat to local communities and the environment.

World Bank Inspection Panel Receives a Request on Coal Sector Rehabilitation Project (India) - 2003
The Inspection Panel received a Request for Inspection from a local non-governmental organization representing residents of a mining area. The Board found non-compliance with regard to involuntary resettlement, environmental assessment, consultation, disclosure of information, and timely provision of land titles to resettled persons.

World Bank Inspection Panel Receives New Request on Manila Second Sewerage Project (Philippines) - 2003
On September 26, 2003, the Inspection Panel received a Request for Inspection regarding the Manila Second Sewerage Project on behalf of 1,300 residents of the Zambales province in the Philippines. The request stated that one of the project’s components involves sea dumping of liquid wastes near where the claimants live and is the source of pollution and harm to their communities.

World Bank Announces Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative - 2003
In December 2003, the World Bank announced their endorsement of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which works towards increasing transparency with regards to revenues and other information about extractive industry operations.

World Bank Releases Independent Review of Extractive Industries - 2003
In November 2003, an independent review of extractive industries, commissioned by the World Bank, was released. The review recommended that the World Bank stop financing oil and coal projects in developing nations and start investing in renewable energy resource development, emissions reducing, and clean energy projects.

World Bank Releases World Resources 2002-2004 - 2003
The World Bank released a report entitled World Resources 2002-2004: Decisions for the Earth, where it called for considerable changes in decision-making with regard to the world's natural resources. The report acknowledged the overwhelming human dependence on rapidly deteriorating ecosystems and the importance of environmental governance to ameliorate the situation.

World Bank Launches Little Green Data Book - 2003
The World Bank launched its Little Green Data Book 2003, filled with a wealth of information about the state of the global environment. The book notes that air pollution in many areas can be a major environmental threat to human health, and that forests, an important source of livelihood for many people, are central to the support of natural systems as well as economic growth.

UNEP Releases Report on Environmental Status of Conflict-Affected Nations (Afghanistan and Iraq)  - 2003
UNEP released two reports on the environmental status of two conflict-affected nations: Afghanistan and Iraq. The reports acknowledged that this, and other UNEP post-conflict reports, shows that "the environment can have major implications for human livelihoods," and as such, environmental issues must be incorporated into all sectors in post-conflict situations.

U.N. Human Settlement Programme Publishes Report on Water and Sanitation in the World's Cites - 2003
The United Nations Human Settlement Programme released a publication entitled Water and Sanitation in the World's Cities: Local Actions for Global Goals. The publication sets out the current situation of inadequate provision of water and sanitation worldwide; describes impacts on health and economic performance; and analyzes the proximate and underlying causes of poor provision.

Global Environment Facility Publishes Report on Water and Human Rights - 2003
In a report published in March of 2003, Keeping the Promise on Water, the GEF emphasized the link between degradation of water resources and human rights that relate to education, poverty and world hunger. The report also discussed the importance of aquatic biodiversity to declining fish stocks and hunger in developing countries.

U.N. Commission on Sustainable Development Agree on 10-Year Framework for Consumption and Production - 2003
In June 2003, a 10-Year Framework for Implementation of Programmes for Sustainable Consumption and Production was agreed to in a meeting in Marrakech. The 10-year “Marrakech Process” is part of the commitment agreed to by world leaders at the 2002 Johannesburg Summit to accelerate the shift towards sustainable lifestyles that promote social and economic development for all.

U.N. Sub-Commission Proclaims Norms and Responsibility of Transnational Corporations (UNSCPPHR)  - 2003
In August 2003, the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights proclaimed the Norms on the Responsibilities of Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with Regard to Human Rights. This proclamation is significant, among other reasons, because the Sub-Commission, a human rights body, is calling on transnational corporations to protect the environment.

U.N. Sub-Commission Passes Resolution on Human Rights Implications of Disappearance of States (UNSCPPHR 2003/24) - 2003
In Resolution 2003/14, entitled Human Rights Implications, Particularly for Indigenous Peoples, of the Disappearance of States for Environmental Reasons, the Sub-Commission noted that environmental changes can reduce the surface area of states and threaten the existence of certain island states.

U.N. Sub-Commission Adopts a Resolution on the Prohibition of Forced Evictions (UNSCPPHR 2003/17) - 2003
The Sub-Commission adopted a Resolution on the Prohibition of Forced Evictions.The emphasis on large-scale evictions is pertinent to the state of human rights and the environment because projects that involve major environmental modification and destruction, such as the building of dams, often involve forced displacement of people and communities from their land without adequate compensation.

U.N. Sub-Commission Reiterates Mandate of the Social Forum (UNSCPPHR 2003/14) - 2003
The Sub-Commission enacted a Resolution entitled The Social Forum, in which it reiterated a mandate for a Social Forum to meet annually to: exchange information on the enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights and their relationship with globalization processes.

U.N. Sub-Commission Affirms Right to Food and Proposes Voluntary Guidelines (UNSCPPHR Resolution 2003/9 - 2003
During its 55th session, the Sub-Commission adopted Resolution 2003/9, entitled The Right to Food, and Progress in Developing International Voluntary Guidelines for its Implementation.

U.N. Sub-Commission Recognizes Right to Drinking Water (UNSCPPHR Resolution 2003/1) - 2003
The Sub-Commission adopted a resolution recognizing that obstacles to access to drinking water and sanitation for everyone impede the achievement of economic, social, and cultural rights.

Special Rapporteur Issues Report on the Right to Food  - 2003
In January 2003, the Special Rapporteur on the right to food issued a report stressing the recognition of the right to food as a human right entailing an obligation to ensure that every human being be free from hunger.

U.N. Commission on Human Rights Passes Resolution on Environmental Damage and Human Rights (2003/71) - 2003
The Commission on Human Rights adopted a Resolution entitled Human Rights and the Environment as Part of Sustainable Development in which it recognized again that environmental damage can have potentially negative effects on the enjoyment of human rights.

U.N. Commission on Human Rights Passes Resolution on Dumping of Toxic Waste (2003/20) - 2003
Resolution 2003/20, entitled Adverse Effects of the Illicit Movement and Dumping of Toxic and Dangerous Products and Wastes on the Enjoyment of Human Rights, affirmed that the illicit movement and dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes as a serious threat to the human rights to life and the enjoyment of the highest possible standard of physical health, and urged further recognition, cooperation, and action regarding this issue.

U.N. Council Declaration Calls for Integrated Approach to Rural Development (ECOSOC) - 2003
In 2003, the Council in its Ministerial Declaration recommended that rural development follow an integrated approach involving economic, social and environmental aspects with mutually reinforcing policies and programs.

U.N. Council Adopts Recommendations on Transport of Dangerous Goods (ECOSOC E/2003/46)  - 2003
In 2003, the Council adopted the recommendations of the Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals and asked the Secretary-General to circulate the recommendations and monitor the status of implementation of the Globally Harmonized System (E/2003/46).

U.N. Council Adopts Resolution on Coordinated Implementation of the Habitat Agenda (ECOSOC E/2003/L.12) - 2003
In 2003, the Council adopted a resolution on the Coordinated Implementation of the Habitat Agenda (E/2003/L.12) where it stated commitments made by governments to implement the Habitat Agenda, the Declaration on Cities and Other Human Settlements in the New Millennium and the Millennium Development Goal of achieving a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers by 2020.

Funds Developed at Annual Meeting of U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change - 2003
At the annual meeting of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, two funding programs, the Special Climate Change Fund and the Least Developed Countries Fund, which support technology transfer, adaptation projects, and other activities, were further developed.

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety Enters into Force - 2003
In September 2003 The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety entered into force. The Protocol was created to protect human health and biological diversity from the potential dangers of genetically modified organisms by instituting a legal structure for GMO transboundary movement.

European Environment Council Proposes to Reduce Marine Fuel Sulfur Emissions - 2004
The European Environment Council has agreed to reduce ships' SO2 emissions in the EU by over 500,000 tonnes each year beginning in 2007.

Legal Challenge Raised to Private Nature Preserve (Pumalín Park, Chile) - 2004
The Chilean state's duty to protect environmental resources is raised by a controversy concerning land owned by U.S. citizen Douglas Tompkins. Tompkins had previously negotiated for the land to be designated as a nature preserve, but some Chilean senators argued that the designation of the park would limit Chilean sovereignty. The National Security Council declined to hear their objection to the park's designation.

Chilean Court Holds CONAF Responsible for Illegal Logging - 2004
The Court of Appeals ruled that the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) failed in its duty to protect rare alerce trees from illegal logging and wrongfully withheld information about its enforcement efforts.

Canadian Supreme Court Applys Polluter-Pays Principle - 2003
The Canadian Supreme Court gave effect to the polluter-pays principle and upheld an order by the Quebec Minister of the Environment directing Imperial Oil to undertake a soil contamination study.

South Africa's Air Quality Act Affirms Right to Health - 2004
South Africa is taking steps to protect the right to health by enacting the "National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004." The new law will provide for strict ambient air quality standards and requires industrial polluters to achieve emission standards based on the "best available technology."

Liberia Uses "Right to Health" in Environmental Laws - 2004
Vindicating the rights to health and water, a solid framework of environmental laws - including protection of the environment and the sustainable management of Liberia’s natural resources - was passed in Liberia in 2004.

Brazilian Environmental Ministry Approve Management Plan for Arvoredo Marine Reserve  - 2004
Strides were made in Brazil related to the right to health. In July 2004, a management plan to protect the Arvoredo Marine Reserve - an archipelago off the coast of Florianopolis in southern Brazil - was approved by the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment.

Iraq's Minister of the Environment Takes a Human Rights Approach - 2004
The Iraq Minister of the Environment, Dr. Mishkat Al Moumin, is committed to fostering the right to a clean and healthy environment, thereby defending the rights to life, water and health.

Indonesia Makes Illegal Logging a Capital Offense - 2004
Indonesia’s President Megawati Sukarnoputri introduced a new law making the crime of illegal logging a capital offense.

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Washington State Bring Suit against Teck Cominco (U.S.) - 2004
Relying on the citizen suit provision of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Washington State brought suit in the District Court for the Eastern District of Washington against Teck Cominco, the owners of a lead and zinc smelter 10 miles north of the U.S.-Canadian border.

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Ability of Non-Citizens to Bring Claims in U.S. Courts for Violation of Alien Tort Claims Act (Sosa v. Alvarez-Machain, U.S.) - 2004
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the ability of non-U.S. citizens to bring claims in U.S. courts alleging violations of the laws of nations under the Alien Tort Claims Act (ATCA). The Court’s decision confirms the availability of a remedy in U.S. courts to torture victims and others who suffer the most serious human rights abuses.

Canadian Supreme Court Protects Rights of Indigenous Peoples  - 2004
In two related decisions, the Canadian Supreme Court ruled that provincial governments have a duty to consult with aboriginal peoples about the use of their traditional territory. The cases made strides in protecting the rights of indigenous peoples to life, information and participation.

Canadian Supreme Court Vindicates Right to Life (British Columbia v. Canadian Forest Products Ltd.) - 2005
Canada's Supreme Court vindicated the right to life by paving the way for provincial governments to bring suits against companies causing environmental damage.

Malaysian Court Protects "Right to Health"  - 2004
In an out-of-court settlement, a court in Malaysia protected the right to health of the residents of the village of Chemor who had sued the owner of a rubber factory over pollution.

Costa Rica's Supreme Court Rules Based on "Right to a Healthy and Balanced Environment" - 2004
The Supreme Court of Costa Rica ruled that the Customs Office violated Article 50 of the Costa Rican Constitution - the right to a healthy and balanced environment - by allowing shark fins to be unloaded at private docks and for not promptly addressing a complaint filed by the Sea Turtle Restoration Project.

Courts in Bangladesh Protects Right to Life, Health and Water - 2004
The courts of Bangladesh have been protecting the rights to life, health and water in a number of cases brought by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA).

Bhopal District Court Challenges Union Carbide (India) - 2005
The Bhopal District Court defended the right to life in 2004. On January 6, 2005, the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Bhopal District Court of India ordered U.S.-based Dow Chemical Corporation to show cause why its subsidiary, Union Carbide, should not be required to face criminal charges related to its operation of a Bhopal pesticide plant that exploded in 1984.

Indian Monitoring Committee Cracks Down on Hazardous Waste - 2004
Indian Monitoring Committee on Hazardous Wastes implements the Indian Supreme Court's orders on handling and treating of hazardous wastes. It has shut down those factories in violation of pollution laws and enforced the Basel Convention on the Transboundary Moverment of Hazardous Wastes.

French Constitutional Amended to Include the Environment - 2005
In a joint session of both houses of the French parliament held on February 28, 2005, lawmakers adopted a Constitutional Amendment to protect the environment.

Uruguayan Citizens Vote in Favor of Constitutional Protection for the Right to Water - 2004
Citizens of Uruguay voted in favor of a constitutional amendment to provide protection for the right to water. The amendment states that "water is a natural resource essential to life," and that access to piped water and sanitation services are "fundamental human rights."

Submission Asserts Quebec is Failing to Enforce Auto Emission Regulations (NACEC, Canada)  - 2005
In March 2004, the Secretariat received a submission alleging that the province of Quebec is failing to effectively enforce its regulations in respect to automobile emissions. In January 2005, the Secretariat received a response from the Canadian government and is now considering whether to recommend a factual record.

Submission Asserts Canada is Failing to Enforce Fisheries Act (NACEC, Montreal) - 2005
This submission, filed by several Canadian and United States environmental NGOs, asserts that Canada is failing to effectively enforce the Canadian Fisheries Act against the City of Montreal with regard to discharge of toxic pollutants from the city's Technoparc site into the St. Lawrence River.

Submission Asserts U.S. is Failing to Enforce Clean Water Act against Coal-Fired Power Plants (NACEC) - 2004
In September 2004, the Secretariat received a submission from a coalition of American and Canadian environmental groups, claiming that the United States is failing to effectively enforce the federal Clean Water Act against coal-fired power plants for mercury emissions that are contaminating thousands of rivers, lakes, and other waterbodies throughout the United States and across the border in Canada. In March 2005, the Secretariat accepted a response from the U.S. government and will now determine if an investigation is warranted.

Submission Asserts Mexico Has Failed to Enforce Hazardous Waste Pollution Laws (NACEC, Alca-Iztapalapa, Mexico)  - 2004
This submission to the North American Commission on Environmental Cooperation asserts that Mexico is failing to effectively enforce its environmental laws with respect to hazardous waste pollution at a particular footwear materials factory which the submitter claims has affected his health and the health of his family.

Inter-American Court on Human Rights Orders Precautionary Measures in Favor of the Sarayaku Indigenous Community (IACHR, Ecuador) - 2004
In May 2003, the IACHR issued an order for precautionary measures in favor of the indigenous Sarayaku community of Ecuador. After the Government of Ecuador failed to comply with that order, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights Court issued provisional measures, ordering the Ecuadorian government to protect their citizens' right to life and right to access and movement throughout their territory.

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Calls for Precautionary Measures in San Mateo (Peru) - 2004
Recognizing the human rights and environmental linkage in pollution-related impacts on human health, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights requested that Peru take precautionary measures to ensure the life and personal integrity of the San Mateo community, whose residents and local environment have been contaminated by toxic mine tailings.

Organization of American States Meets on Health and the Environment - 2004
In February 2004, the OAS organized a meeting to move forward with the Health and Environment Ministers of the Americas (HEMA) process, an initiative to develop an "agenda to prevent and minimize the negative impacts to the environment and human health."

Organization of American States Launches Sustainable Dev. and Biocultural Conservation Campaign (Brazil-Suriname) - 2004
In January 2004, OAS launched a campaign to partner with the indigenous peoples of the Brazil-Suriname border region to contribute to the conservation of their culture and the sustainable development of their natural resources.

European Court of Human Rights Decides in Favor of Taskin (Taskin and Others v. Turkey) - 2004
The European Court held that national authorities, by authorizing cyanide leaching, violated the applicants' right to respect for private and family life and to a fair trial under Articles 6 and 8 of the European Convention.

European Court of Human Rights Decides its First Environmental Case Involving Loss of Life (Oneryildiz v. Turkey) - 2004
In the case of Oneryildiz v. Turkey, the European Court of Human Rights decided its first environmental case involving loss of life.

European Commission Pursues Environmental Infringement Proceedings - 2004
The European Commission decided to pursue infringement proceedings against a number of countries including Greece, Luxembourg, Spain, Austria, and Germany in

European Commission Proposes Action on Flood Risk Management - 2004
In July 2004, the European Commission for the first time proposed action on flood risk management to improve protection against flooding.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Measures Implemented - 2004
The Directive on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) mandates that the environmental impacts of a wide range of public plans and programs be assessed under better and more open planning procedures. These measures were to be implemented by EU Member States by July 21, 2004.

European Commission Launches Effort to Improve Information on Industrial Emissions - 2004
The European Commission and the European Environment Agency launched an internet-based register of industrial air and water emissions. The Commission also launched an action plan targeting diseases caused by environmental harm.

E.U. Environment Council Agree on Directive for Extractive Industries - 2004
In October 2004, the EU Environment Council agreed on a proposed directive to minimize environmental impacts of waste produced by extractive industries (mining and quarrying).

E.U. Council of Ministers Approve Agreement on Fluorinated Gases - 2004
In October 2004, the Council approved an agreement to reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases. The reduction of these emissions is a requirement under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, and it will help the EU and its Member States meet their Kyoto 2012 emission targets.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Holds Global Forum on Sustainable Development - 2004
In November 2004, the OECD held a Global Forum on Sustainable Development, engaging OECD and non-OECD countries to develop best practice guidelines for integrating economic, social and environmental policies.

World Health Organization Reports on MDG Drinking Water and Sanitation Targets - 2004
In August 2004, the WHO and UNICEF released a report on the status of drinking water and sanitation targets laid out by the Millennium Development Goals. The report predicts that the global sanitation target will be missed by half a billion people but that the world may be on track to meet drinking water targets.

World Bank Inspection Panel Announces Findings on Yacyreta Hydroelectric Project (Argentina) - 2004
The World Bank Inspection Panel announced its findings on the Yacyretá project. It found that the reservoir did not cause flooding of urban creeks, contaminate the Parana River, or spread diseases as claimed by Requestors of the inspection. A report by the Inter-American Development Bank contradicted the Inspection Panel's report insomuch as it found significant environmental damage and harm to public health directly caused by the project.

World Bank Inspection Panel Receives Request on National Drainage Program Project (Pakistan) - 2004
The World Bank Inspection Panel received a Request for Inspection related to the National Drainage Program Project in Pakistan. The Requesters allege that the Project did not take into consideration the possible displacement of people that will result when the drainage system overflows during monsoon rainy seasons nor other economic hardships that will result from the forceful of acquisition of land.

World Bank Inspection Panel Recommends Inspection of Mumbai Urban Transport Project (India) - 2004
The World Bank Inspection Panel received a Request for Inspection regarding the Mumbai Urban Transport Project by a number of affected parties. The Requesters claim that as a result of the Project they are being forced to relocate to the Mankhurd area, which they allege is a degraded environment unsuitable for relocation. The Inspection Panel recommended in September 2004 that an investigation be conducted. The Board of Executive Directors has yet to make a decision on the recommendation.

World Bank Inspection Panel Conducts Investigation of Cartagena Water Supply, Sewerage and Environmental Management Project (Colombia) - 2004
The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved the Inspection Panel's recommendation to conduct an investigation into claims that the Cartagena Water Supply Project (Columbia) had violated the Bank's "Operational Directive 4.20 - Indigenous Peoples" by: failing to identify the affected communities as indigenous; failing to ensure that the Project's adverse effects would be avoided or mitigated; and failing to safeguard their livelihood and reliance on fishing and farming as a subsistence living.

World Bank and Global Environmental Facility Launch Coral Reefs Initiative - 2004
The World Bank and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) launched a five-year initiative to facilitate the protection of coral reefs. The World Bank points out that more than 30 million small fishermen in developing countries depend on coral reefs to survive (implicating the right to work).

World Bank Produces "Green MiniAtlas" and "The Little Green Data Book" - 2004
In 2004, the World Bank published a "Green MiniAtlas," which is an “at-a-glance” guide to the most pressing environmental problems around the world. It draws on data from the World Bank’s "Little Green Data Book 2004," which provides a wealth of information on key environmental topics for over 200 countries and territories and presents 47 key indicators of the environment and its relationship to people.

Kyoto Protocol Enters into Force - 2005
The Protocol entered into force on February 16, 2005 as the first legally binding international treaty on climate change. The Protocol legally limits greenhouse gas emissions from industrialized nations, setting varying emissions targets for individual countries.

Inter-Parliamentary Union Passes Resolution on Biodiversity  - 2004
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) adopted a resolution that affirmed the role of parliaments in preserving biological diversity, focusing on a number of key areas of the Biodiversity Convention. It emphasizes the need for a legal and rights-based approach to biodiversity conservation and use.

Biodiversity Convention Establishes Akwé: Kon Guidelines - 2004
Biodiversity Convention establishes Akwé: Kon Guidelines for conducting cultural, environmental, and social impact assessments of activities and development that will impact sacred sites and on lands and waters traditionally occupied or used by indigenous and local communities.

Rotterdam Convention Enters into Force - 2004
The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade entered into force on February 24, 2004. The Convention allows parties to determine which potentially hazardous chemicals may be imported based on the country's ability to safely manage those chemicals.

Stockholm Convention Takes Effect  - 2004
The Stockholm Convention, a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs), entered into force on May 17, 2004.

Basel Convention Adopts Statement on Mobilizing Additional Resources to Address Hazardous Waste - 2004
The Seventh Conference of the Parties of the Basel Convention adopted a ministerial statement setting out strategies for mobilizing additional resources to address hazardous wastes through strengthening partnerships with industries and other international organizations and agreements. Agreement reached on Regional Center for Training and Technology Transfer.

Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee Discusses First Five Cases of Claimed Violation - 2004
During its sixth meeting on December 15-17, 2004, the Compliance Committee initiated substantive discussion of its first five cases claiming violations against the governments of Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Hungary, and Turkey.

U.N. Millennium Project Report Stresses Environmental Management - 2005
In January 2005, the Project released a report proposing solutions for achieving the Millennium's development goals by 2015. The report stressed that additional research was required to address the needs of the poor in health, agriculture, natural resource and environmental management, energy, and climate change.

2004 U.N. Environmental Programme Report focuses on Conflict, Security, and the Environment  - 2004
In 2004, UNEP released a report entitled "Understanding Environment, Conflict and Cooperation." The report reflects the U.N.'s broader goals of promoting peace and security by focusing on the intersection of the environment and security.

Global Environment Facility Reports on Small Island States - 2004
A report published in April 2004 focuses on the collaboration between the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and small island developing states (SIDS). The report highlights work on key natural resource issues that affect human rights: climate change, biodiversity, international waters, and land degradation.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Mandated to Report on Responsibility of Transnational Corporations  - 2004
The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has been mandated to prepare a report focusing on the responsibilities of transnational corporations and related business enterprises with regard to human rights, addressing legally-based instruments, contractually-based initiatives, and voluntary initiative.

Special Rapporteur for the Commission on Sustainable Development Reports on Trade and Food Security  - 2004
January 2004, the Special Rapporteur on the right to food issued a report, addressing the issue of international trade and food security. The report examines the negative impacts of international trade in food and agricultural commodities, global trading rules, and transnational corporations on the poor and marginalized people.

Special Rapporteur Presents Preliminary Report on the study on Human Rights and the Human Genome  - 2004
The Special Rapporteur on human rights and the human genome presented her preliminary report, stating that recent developments in the field of genetics appear to have given rise to new conflicts between the right to health, the right to intellectual property, and human rights regimes.

Sub-Commission Welcomes Report on Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation (UNSCPPHR Decision 2004/107) - 2004
The Sub-Commission unanimously adopted a decision in which it welcomed the reports prepared by Mr. El-Hadji Guissé on the relationship between the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights and the promotion of the realization of the right to drinking water supply and sanitation.

Sub-Commission Addresses Progressive Realization of Right to Food (UNSCPPHR Decision 2004/105) - 2004
The Sub-Commission unanimously adopted a decision addressing various issues related to the progressive realization of the right to food.

Sub-Commission Urges States To Allow Right of Return to Refugees and Displaced Persons (UNSCPPHR Resolution 2004/9) - 2004
The Sub-Commission adopted a resolution entitled resolution entitled "Final Report on the study 'Indigenous peoples' permanent sovereignty over natural resources," urging all States to ensure the free and fair exercise of the right to return to one's home and place of habitual residence by all refugees and displaced persons.

Sub-Commission Affirms Right to Drinking Water (UNSCPPHR Resolution 2004/6) - 2004
The Sub-Commission adopted a resolution affirming that access to drinking water must not be subject to any restriction, but must be subject to regulation and control by the public authorities, affirming the right to water as an individual and collective human right.

U.N. Commission on Human Rights Calls for Report on Disappearance of States (2004/122) - 2004
The Commission urged governments to ascertain the implications for the human rights of their residents with particular reference to the rights of indigenous people.

U.N. Commission on Human Rights Passes Resolution on Internally Displaced Persons (2004/55)  - 2004
The Commission requested that the Secretary-General establish a mechanism that would address the complex problem of internal displacement.

U.N. Commission on Human Rights Passes Resolution on Right to Health (2004/27) - 2004
Resolution 2004/27 urged States to use whatever means necessary to ensure right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

U.N. Commission on Human Rights Passes Resolution on Right to Food (2004/19) - 2004
The Commission considered it intolerable that there were around 840 million undernourished people in the world. The Commission encouraged all States to take steps towards the full realization of the right to food.

U.N. Commission on Human Rights Passes Resolution on Dumping of Toxic Waste (2004/17) - 2004
Resolution 2004/17 affirmed that the illicit movement and dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes constitute a serious threat to human rights. The Resolution urged human rights bodies to be more systematic in addressing violations of rights associated with the practices of multinational companies, toxic waste, and other environmental problems.

Secretary-General Reports on the Relationship Between Human Rights and the Environment (UNCHR) - 2004
In February 2005, the Secretary-General released a report on link between the protection of the natural environment and the enjoyment of human rights.

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Decides Case in Favor of Maya (Belize)  - 2005
Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) in the Belize Maya case, the Commission found that Belize violated the Mayan communities' right to use and enjoy their property by granting concessions to third parties to exploit natural resources within Mayan lands without informed consent and with resulting environmental damage