Universal Declaration of Ecological Rights

Preamble

Recognizing that all life on Earth is dependent upon a clean, balanced, and healthy ecosystem;

Recognizing that the dignity, health, and future of humanity are inseparable from the condition of the environment;

Affirming that the right to live in a clean environment constitutes a fundamental right of all persons, without distinction of any kind, including nationality, gender, religion, or social status;

Now, therefore,

We proclaim this Universal Declaration of Ecological Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society shall strive to secure the recognition and observance of these rights through appropriate measures.

Article 1

Right to a Clean Environment

1. Everyone has the right to breathe clean air.
2. Everyone has the right to access safe drinking water.
3. Everyone has the right to live in a healthy and safe environment.

Article 2

Right to Ecological Stability and Protection

1. Everyone has the right to live in a stable climate.
2. Everyone has the right to live within a healthy ecosystem capable of sustaining life.
3. Individuals and communities shall be protected from pollution.
4. Individuals and communities shall be protected from environmental harm and all forms of ecological degradation that threaten health or life.

Article 3

Rights of Future Generations

1. Future generations shall have the right to inherit a planet capable of sustaining life.
2. The present generation bears a moral and legal responsibility to protect and preserve the Earth for future generations.

Article 4

Ecological Justice

1. All persons who suffer harm as a result of environmental degradation shall have the right to effective remedy.
2. Such remedy shall include restoration, compensation, and fair treatment.
3. These rights shall be guaranteed without discrimination of any kind.

Article 5

Ecological Rights as Human Rights

1. The happiness and well-being of humanity are inseparably linked to the well-being of the ecosystem.
2. Ecological rights shall be recognized as universal, fundamental, and inalienable rights of all persons.

Drafted by: Cuong Lu

The Netherlands, 22 April 2026