Toxic Substances and Wastes and Human Rights: Challenges, Responsibilities and Ways of Achieving Solutions | HRC63 Side Event

This side event to the 63rd session session of the Human Rights Council (HRC63) is organized by Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rencontre Africaine pour la Défense des Droits de l'Homme (RADDHO) and Earthjustice, with the support of the Geneva Environment Network. It will reflect on how stronger action on toxic substances and waste can contribute to the protection of human rights.

About this Event

The management of toxic substances and hazardous waste is not only an environmental challenge but also a critical human rights issue. Around the world, improper handling, disposal, and transboundary movement of hazardous waste continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, undermining the rights to health, life, clean water, food, and a healthy environment.

This side event, co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in collaboration with the African Meeting for the Defense of Human Rights (RADDHO) and Earthjustice, will explore the links between toxic substances, environmental justice, and human rights. Drawing on lessons from past and ongoing cases, particularly in Africa, the discussion will highlight the human impacts of toxic pollution, the unequal distribution of environmental risks, and the need for stronger governance at national, regional, and global levels.

The event will provide a platform for governments, civil society organizations, legal experts, and other stakeholders to exchange experiences, identify persistent challenges, and showcase good practices and cooperative approaches. It will also underscore the importance of preventing environmental harm, ensuring accountability, and advancing the universal right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

Through an inclusive dialogue, participants will be invited to reflect on how stronger action on toxic substances and waste can contribute to the protection of human rights and to sustainable development for present and future generations.

Environment @ HRC63

The 63rd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC63) will take place in Geneva from 7 September to 7 October 2026. Consult this regularly-updated page that highlighted the environmental-related activities of this session.