HRC57 - Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of[...]

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HRC57 - Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and waste

17.09.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

57^th session

Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and waste

17 September 2024

EU statement

Mr. President,

The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report on pollution information portals and reiterates its support to his mandate.

The EU agrees with the Special Rapporteur on the importance of maintaining robust, continuously updated and user-friendly pollution information portals, as a basis for effective environmental policies.

Around 60,000 large industrial facilities operate within the EU. The industrial operators of these sites are required to report on significant emissions and on the use of resources under the Industrial Emissions Portal Regulation (IEPR).

Access to the Portal is public. The data published in the Portal allows for the identification and monitoring of sources of industrial pollution, in order to contribute to its prevention and reduction. Consequently, it builds awareness of environmental matters, enables a free exchange of views and effective participation by the public in environmental decision-making, and contributes to a better environment.

The EU efforts to ensure transparency on industrial emissions is in line with its commitments under the Aarhus Convention on access to information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters. At the same time, we are aware that reporting on pollution always requires improvements. We are keen to share our experience and learn from others.

Mr. Special Rapporteur,

What recommendations would you have for states that are trying to upgrade their portals from "first-generation" portals to "new-generation" portals as you call them?

Thank you.