The Centre for Environmental Justice met with Astrid Puentes Riaño, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

Alongside other civil society organisations from around Ireland, we discussed the inadequate implementation of human rights obligations relating to climate change and environmental protection in Ireland. In particular, the Centre raised concerns about how access to justice, a fundamental right essential for the protection of people and the planet, risks being eroded by recent proposals to amend environmental judicial review rules.

The UN Special Rapporteur is an independent human rights expert who examines how obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment are being implemented. Astrid’s visit will culminate in a March 2027 report on best practices and recommendations.

This report represent an opportunity for the Government to implement changes that will increase protection for those whose rights are most vulnerable to environmental harm.

Before Astrid’s visit, the Centre for Environmental Justice submitted a response to her call for input which you can read here.