The third generation of human rights : the right to a healthy environment

Abstract EN

Human rights issues are among the most important topics of concern to domestic and international public opinion.

The international community has sought since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to respect and implement the protection of these rights, which have been expanding since the seventies of the last century, in particular the emergence of new concepts such as the concept of environmental protection and sustainable development, presenting itself with a new range of human rights known as the third generation of human rights, including the right to development, the right to common inheritance, and its right to a healthy and safe environment.

However, these new rights, in particular the human right to a healthy and safe environment, had become the subject of much controversy as to its nature and legal value.

Are they merely general principles, moral principles taken the obligation by nations with a will to choose, or are they fundamental human rights recognised at the national and international level, which require them to be respected, applied, protected and promoted, nationally and internationally.

All this requires research and analysis of the different aspects of this subject in order to understand the nature, value and effects of the recognition of the human right to the environment as a third generation human right.