Международно-правовые принципы охраны окружающей среды и права человека

Abstract

The article "International Legal Principles of Environment Protection and Human Rights" tries to analyze the history of development of the legal basis of the principles of the international legal protection of environment. It also gives their systematization in 9 groups according to their legal and essential meaning: The first group includes the principles which fix the priority of human rights for favourable environment and sustainable development. The second group of principles declares the sovereignty of states in natural resources utilization. The third group of principles describes the responsibility of citizens in the sphere of environment protection. Every person ought to act in accordance with the World Nature Charter provisions. The fourth group declares the liability for environment protection. The fifth group establishes priorities of natural resources utilization The sixth group consists of the principles (inter alia, principles 6, 7 of the Stockholm declaration) aimed at prevention of environmental pollution and other activities harmful for nature. The seventh group is the largest group of principles of environment protection which presupposes close and efficient international cooperation in the given sphere. The states cooperate in the spirit of global partnership in order to preserve, protect and restore the normal condition and integrity of the Earth ecosystem. The eighth group characterizes the principles which provide a right to information. Every person should have the appropriate access to information regarding environment which is available at national bodies, including information about dangerous materials and activities in their communities, and a possibility of participation in the process of decision-making. The ninth group establishes the responsibility for environment protection in case of military conflicts. The states must respect the international law which provides environmental protection during military conflicts and cooperate in its further development when necessary.