About | ERI

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been undertaking work on human rights and the environment for almost two decades. This has included working with the UN Office for Human Rights under the auspices of a memorandum of understanding, to enhance the capacity of governments and the general public to understand and operationalize the linkages between human rights and the environment, including through producing informational material on environmental rights. This cooperation also contributes to implementing the UN Secretary General’s Call to Action for Human Rights

UNEP’s current work under the Environmental Rights Initiative brings environmental protection nearer to people by assisting state and non-state actors to promote, protect and respect environmental rights. Key to these efforts is capacitating stakeholders in this field and supporting their work. Environmental defenders are an important group of stakeholders. The UN defines defenders as “individuals and groups who, in their personal or professional capacity and in a peaceful manner, strive to protect and promote human rights relating to the environment, including water, air, land, flora and fauna”.

This ‘Legal Assistance and Resources for Environmental Defenders’ database has been set-up to enable environmental defenders, as well as the general public, to access legal assistance and support to counter their current inadequate protection. Environmental defenders help fill environmental governance gaps – when their work is strengthened, human rights related to the environment are better fulfilled.