Calls for the right to a healthy environment to be included in new law

Date: 1st March 2021
Category: Disability, Basic Health and Welfare

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The Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland (ERCS) is advocating for the right to a healthy environment to be included in a new human rights law for Scotland. Proposals for the new law are currently being developed by the National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership.

ECRS argues that our human rights are in jeopardy due to the impacts of climate change damaging the environment and that children, the elderly and those suffering ill-health are most impacted, despite often being least responsible for causing this damage. Furthermore, an unhealthy environment exacerbates existing health inequalities which have been intensified through COVID-19.

ECRS is actively supporting the inclusion of the human right to a healthy environment and contributing to the National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership consultation, whose recommendations are due to be published in March. Over the coming weeks, the organisation will also consult with children and young people to understand why the right is important to them.

• Find out more information here.