David Owino, Olivia Bonner, Peter Moll, Veronica Thamaini engage on a panel discussion on the Right to a healthy environment

In October last year, the UN Human Rights Council recognized that access to a healthy, and sustainable environment is a human right.

In resolution 48/13, the Council called on countries around the globe to work together, and collaborate with partners to implement the right to a healthy environment. The council has since also increased its focus on the human rights impacts of climate change by establishing a Special Rapporteur dedicated on the matter.

“Bold action is now required to ensure this resolution on the right to a healthy environment serves as a springboard to push for transformative economic, social and environmental policies that will protect people and nature,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said.

The legislation to recognize the right to a healthy environment as a human right was proposed by Costa Rica, the Maldives, Morocco, Slovenia and Switzerland.

As with any other right, access to information plays a crucial role in empowering individuals and communities with the ability to not only understand the link between human rights and the environment but also mitigate the causes and adapt for a healthy future for all.

“Knowledge powers action and action powers knowledge.” Veronica Thamaini, Senior program officer, Community Resources, Wikimedia Foundation.

Wiki for Human Rights Campaign

Wikipedia, which continues to strive to promote open access and sharing of knowledge, has centered the theme of it’s annual Wiki for Human Rights global campaign on the theme; #RightToaHealthy Environment in an effort to ensure that everyone has access to accurate, relevant and timely information on the areas of climate change, environment and biodiversity.

“Everyone everywhere needs access to information about how climate change or environmental degradation impacts their lives. With #WikiForHumanRights this year, we are focusing on the implications of the right to a healthy environment on humans experiencing the intersecting three planetary crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution,” Wiki for Human Rights Campaign Team.

Wikipedians in Kenya

Wikipedians in Kenya for the first time in the history of the Wiki for Human Rights campaign convened a workshop on Tuesday that brought together over five organizations focusing on environment, biodiversity, human rights and youth empowerment to key among other things discuss; the state of environmental justice in the country, promote knowledge on the link between human rights and the environment as well as identify content gaps on Wikipedia in the thematic areas.

The workshop featured a panel discussion and a Knowledge Café session. Some of the organizations who participated in the workshop include; The Center for Justice Governance and Environmental Action (CJGEA), Stand Up Shout Out (SUSO),  Kenya Climate Change Working Group, Young Women Leaders Connect, and  Mazingira Women Initiative.

Below are some of the key highlights from the event;

• “There is a dire need to create localized solutions that will tackle the climate crisis”, Organization of African Youth (OAY).
• “We cannot have meaningful participation in decision-making processes without voices of the environmental activists from the grassroots.” Peter Moll, Founder Stand up Shout Out (SUSO).
• “Environmental defenders are some of the most prosecuted defenders in the world” Olivia Bonner, Legal Advisor, the International Environmental Law Unit, UNEP.
• “Gender and climate change has to be handled with inclusivity as it affects all of us differently; women, men, children, PWDs,” Mazingira women initiative.