‘Good environment right to healthy life’

Islamabad

Good environment and clean air are part of rights to a healthy life and therefore, they are linked to human rights. We at the Ministry of Human Rights are striving to contributing to efforts for making our environment safe and healthy and this tree plantation campaign affirms it.

This was stated by federal human rights secretary Rabiya Javeri Agha during the launch of a plantation campaign here at the Rose and Jasmine Garden on Friday to celebrate 70 years of Independence.

The Ministry of Human Rights organised the event in collaboration with Capital Development Authority (CDA).

Representatives of civil society and Ministry of Human Rights, Senator Nuzhat Saddique, PBSA Director Training & Programme Zahid Mahboob and large number of street children from the Child Protection Centre were also present on the occasion.

The secretary said the plantation campaign would be launched in all regional offices of the ministry.

She said the theme of the campaign was ‘70 years, 70 trees’.

The secretary said the trees were being planted to symbolise life, prosperity and protection of the environment.

“The Ministry of Human Rights considers the right to a clean and safe environment as a substantive rights. The UN draft principles from 1994 refer to these in detail. It is in this context, that, environmental human rights encompass right to clean and safe environment as well protection of environment. Engaging street children is central to emphasize in relevant of marginalised segments in the development and progress of the country as a nation,” she said.

While congratulating participants on the 70 years of Independence, the secretary said it was time for the people to unite and work collectively for the prosperity of the country.

She said the ministry was already making all-out efforts for the protection of human rights in the country.

“We want to work collectively with our partners in taking initiatives, which lead to better life for a common man,” she said.