International

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 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 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.

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."

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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."

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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. 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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. 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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.