Statement by the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea
on the Occasion of World Environment Day
Environment is the minimum condition required to uphold human dignity
□ On the occasion of World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Chairperson Ahn Chang-ho), reaffirms that a clean, safe, and sustainable environment is the minimum condition necessary to protect human dignity in the face of the climate crisis.
□ World Environment Day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly, has been observed since 1973 under the leadership of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and it is the most significant international observance in the field of environment. We hope that this year’s event, which will be held in Jeju Island, Republic of Korea under the theme of ending plastic pollution, serves as a productive venue for discussions on the protection and promotion of environmental rights.
□ Global warming, a representative environmental issue, has led to extreme weather phenomena such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and droughts. These climate crises directly and indirectly affect a wide range of human rights, including the right to life, food, health, and housing.
□ In response, the NHRCK has taken a human rights-based approach to addressing the climate crisis. Since issuing its official opinion on climate change and human rights in 2022, the Commission has submitted an opinion to the Constitutional Court challenging the constitutionality of the Carbon Neutrality Act, recommended institutional reforms to better protect vulnerable groups, and called for the establishment of a 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)[1] aligned with international standards. Through these actions, the Commission underscores that the human rights of the Korean people must not be compromised by the growing climate and environmental crises.
□ The people of Korea have the right to live in a healthy and pleasant environment. Without the guarantee of environmental rights, it is difficult to ensure other fundamental rights such as the right to life and health. Therefore, the government and all members of society must make their utmost efforts to ensure a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. This effort must include not only domestic actions but also enhanced cooperation with the international community.
□ In particular, when formulating climate policies, the government must ensure that the burdens of today’s decisions are not unfairly transferred to future generations. Future generations must be guaranteed their environmental rights and be able to enjoy safety, freedom, and happiness on an equal footing.
□ The Commission will remain committed to identifying and addressing emerging human rights issues caused by environmental changes, including inequality related to the climate crisis and the realization of environmental rights for all.
June 5 2025
Ahn Chang-ho
Chairperson
National Human Rights Commission of Korea
[1] The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is a greenhouse gas reduction target voluntarily set by each country under the Paris Agreement, which entered into force in 2016. As of May 2025, 195 parties to the agreement are working together to achieve the agreement’s long-term temperature goal of limiting the increase in global average temperature to “well below 2°C” above pre-industrial levels—and preferably to 1.5°C. Each party is required to submit updated NDCs every five years.
