By Eleanor Randall

The Representatives of the General Assembly Plenary are tackling the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and the protection of United Nations (UN) personnel.

Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services.” Factors holding back the progress of a sustainable environment include climate change, unsound management of chemicals and pollution of air, land and water. 

Representatives address how to create equal environmental opportunities for all, as well as implementation and accountability measures within their own States for pollution and their commerce. 

“Let us be clear: this effort is far from over. We will not give up, and we will never surrender. To claim that ‘we’ve lost’ is not only premature—it is an affront to the member states that have endured, and continue to endure, the devastating effects of climate change. It is also an insult to our planet, whose survival hinges on our collective will to act,” said Representative Kiara Joyce of the United Kingdom.

Throughout the first day of the conference, representatives discussed larger countries taking on accountability initiatives for their carbon footprint on the Earth. “We should be focused on more vulnerable countries… Carbon taxation, and hold higher income countries accountable,” said Representative Lillian Ardis of Ecuador.

Representatives from Guyana and Sweden led discussions during unmoderated discussions on creating renewable energy, money to developing countries, creating safe water, sanitation and technology transfer.

The safety and security of humanitarians and UN personnel are in high demand as conflicts continue and tensions rise. Humanitarian missions are vital to defusing crises and ensuring international law is followed. 

The representatives will need to overcome any political differences to establish the security and safety of personnel.