IACtHR Advisory Opinion on Human Rights and the Environment

Legal Topic: Climate change

Geographic relevance: Americas (North, Central, South)

Language: English

Data type: Legal citations

About this resource:

In 2017, the IACtHR handed down an advisory opinion on the environment and human rights. The advisory opinion made it clear that:

• The right to a healthy environment is an enforceable right;
• States have obligations to prevent significant environmental damage that impacts human rights;
• These obligations could apply to climate change.

This advisory opinion could pave the way for climate change-related claims to be brought before the IACtHR.

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