Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 28, 2025 Human rights
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk welcomed the adoption by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) of a landmark regional declaration that affirms the right of people to live in a healthy environment. The document was approved on October 26 during 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Türk called the first regional recognition of this right in Southeast Asia a timely and crucial step forward. He said the decision demonstrates that environmental protection and human rights are inextricably linked, "especially in the face of multiple global crises, including climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss."
There is no time to delay.
"ASEAN countries now need to move from commitments to practical action as quickly as possible—enshrining the declaration's provisions into national laws, policies, and programs, including mechanisms for holding the private sector accountable for environmental damage. There is no time to waste, as environmental problems continue to worsen," the High Commissioner stated.
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The UN's top human rights defender emphasized the need for ASEAN countries to ensure coordinated leadership and prompt action to combat transboundary environmental damage, building on the adopted declaration and taking into account the views of the most affected groups, including women, youth, and indigenous peoples. He also called for respect for human rights defenders working on environmental issues.
Global recognition of environmental rights
The ASEAN Declaration was the latest document in the field of human rights and environmental protection agreed upon after the adoption resolution 76/300 The UN General Assembly, which recognizes the right of people throughout the world to a clean and healthy environment, as well as the recent adoption advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the responsibilities of states in connection with climate change.
Volker Türk emphasized that the UN Human Rights Office stands ready to support ASEAN and its member states in implementing the declaration, including through technical assistance, local capacity development, and the development of a regional action plan. He also called on countries in the region to continue advancing a human rights-based environmental agenda in line with rapidly evolving international standards in this area.
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