ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the background to current discussions on environmental and human rights. It suggests that the lack of success of many of the Rio initiatives makes it appropriate to consider new approaches, and that such approaches should be rooted in recognition of an inalienable right to a safe and healthy environment. It first considers the need for environmental human rights and looks at what such rights might be. It includes perspectives from different nations and regions, and highlights the UN Draft Principles from 1994. It also considers the issue of globalization and suggests that environmental human rights could play an important part in this debate. The chapter concludes by assessing prospects after the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD).
