Environmental protection and human rights in Ethiopia

Abstract

The importance of the environment to the fulfillment of human rights is widely accepted at international law. It is argued that human rights law can make a positive contribution to environmental protection, but the precise nature of the connection between the environment and human rights warrants more critical analysis.
This paper examines the historical background on Environmental and Human Rights. The principles of human rights, the right to life and the right to development cannot be realised in the absence of the right to a healthy environment. This article discusses about the objectives of human rights and international environmental law. The fundamental issue is whether international human rights law can contribute to environmental protection whether international environmental policies can serve human rights concerns. This article focuses on the historical development of Environmental Law and Human rights, constitutional provisions, Environmental Justice and Equity in Ethiopia has been discussed. Further, the role of Ethiopian judiciary in addressing environmental protection and human rights and the link between human rights and environmental protection is also discussed.