The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is based on four general principles, one of which is the right to life and personal development, which result from Article 6. Accordingly, every child has the right to grow up in a protected environment in which they can develop as best as possible. Children and young people should be able to actively participate in social life. A life with dignity also includes the right to grow up in a healthy environment.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child does not directly provide for a right to a healthy environment. However, what is required in order to implement the right to life and good personal development is an intact and healthy environment. Movements such as “Fridays for Future” go a long way towards showing us just how important this issue is to children and young people.