National Human Rights Commission Chair: "A Sustainable Environment Is Key to Protecting Human Rights"

On June 5, to mark World Environment Day, Ahn Changho, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, stated, "A clean, safe, and sustainable environment is the minimum condition necessary to protect human dignity from the climate crisis."

Ahn Changho, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, attended the plenary session held at the Human Rights Commission in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

World Environment Day is the largest international day for environmental awareness, organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since 1973. This year, the event is being held at the Jeju International Convention Center in Seogwipo, Jeju, under the theme of ending plastic pollution.

Chairman Ahn said, "The climate crisis directly and indirectly affects a wide range of human rights, including the right to life, the right to health, and the right to adequate housing." He added, "The National Human Rights Commission has approached and responded to the climate crisis from a human rights perspective. Starting in 2022 with a statement on climate crisis and human rights, we have since submitted an opinion to the Constitutional Court on the unconstitutionality of the Carbon Neutrality Act and recommended improvements to systems for protecting vulnerable groups from the climate crisis."

He continued, "When formulating policies to respond to the climate crisis, the government must ensure that future generations are guaranteed their right to a healthy environment and can enjoy safety, freedom, and happiness." He also stated, "The National Human Rights Commission will take the lead in addressing human rights issues arising from environmental changes, such as resolving inequalities caused by the climate crisis and guaranteeing the public's right to a healthy environment."