The EU was founded on the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, which remain at the heart of its internal and external policies. Now, with the recent UN Resolution acknowledging that environmental damage has negative implications – both direct and indirect – for the effective enjoyment of all human rights, the EU is leading the way to broader recognition and respect for human rights and the environment.

For annual Human Rights Day on 10 December, EU in Thailand promoted series of free film screenings under the theme ‘Our Right to Live on a Healthy Planet’.

The selection of films curated in cooperation with Documentary Club, House Samyan and Environman, received positive feedback from the audiences as to their awareness-raising and impactful portrayal of how climate change and environmental degradation encroach upon the livelihoods of people around the world, through stories set in Thailand, the US (Alaska) and Kenya.

The opening reception was market by the EU's joint message with Thailand’s Rights and Liberties Protection Department (RLPD), Ministry of Justice, and Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Together, they committed to uphold the right to a healthy environment, as first international partner to celebrate the new recognition of this right by the UN General Assembly.

EU films screened were Losing Alaska (Ireland) and Thank You for the Rain (Norway), while Blood on the River: Special Edition and By the River were shown from Thailand. The stories conveyed highlighted the need for climate action and environmental protection – a shared aim of the EU-Thai partnership.

The EU has made strides in strengthening the environmental aspect of human rights protection. Its Charter of Fundamental Rights states that environmental protection must be integrated in EU policies, while its Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy (2020-2024) outlines the commitment to address the risks and impacts of climate change, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss on human rights.