Recognising that the profound connections between human rights and the environment have become increasingly apparent and explicit in recent years, the updated Manual seeks to promote a better understanding of this relationship. It examines how the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Social Charter, in particular, contribute to the strengthening of environmental protection at national level, through the evolving case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the conclusions and decisions of the European Committee on Social Rights. The Manual also includes examples of good national practices amongst member States in an appendix.
The CDDH is now working on a draft Committee of Ministers' recommendation on human rights and the environment, to be followed by a feasibility study on further instruments, including a possible binding instrument.
The Manual can be accessed here.
For more information on the CDDH, please visit its website here.