The inclusion of the right to free and safe clean air and water as a basic human right is increasingly vital in the context of the fast-emerging ecological crisis, driven primarily by global warming and climate change. Humanizing the police and implementing substantial reforms are also the demands of bad times.

Climate change poses severe threats to natural resources, leading to the deterioration of air quality and water sanctity. This degradation has reached alarming levels, making clean air and water crucial for human survival and well-being. Recognizing these rights under international law is not only a moral imperative but a fundamental necessity for ensuring a sustainable future.

Read in Hindi: ‘असुरक्षित वातावरण’ और ‘औपनिवेशिक पुलिस’ है मानवाधिकारों के लिए खतरा

Look at the quality of air and water in water bodies. The alarming pollution levels call for urgent measures, says commentator prof Paras Nath Choudhary of Ghaziabad.

Furthermore, there is an urgent need to define and protect the rights of nature. Forests, mountains, and rivers have intrinsic value, and their health directly impacts human existence.

These natural entities deserve legal recognition that allows them to thrive, ultimately benefiting humanity as a whole. Countries like Ecuador and Bolivia have already taken steps towards this by enshrining the rights of nature in their constitutions.

The UN should advocate for similar measures globally, framing nature not merely as a resource but as a living entity deserving of protection, according to environmentalist Dr Devashish Bhattacharya.

To effectively address these issues, the UN must enhance the capacity of human rights bodies. Emerging conflicts driven by environmental degradation often intersect with human rights violations. The trafficking of humans, particularly children, is exacerbated by the disruption of ecosystems and economic instability, as vulnerable populations are further marginalized.

Strengthening human rights mechanisms will be key to preventing these violations and addressing the root causes of such issues, adds social activist Mukta Gupta of Mysore.

In the Indian context, the government has a pressing responsibility to humanize the police and implement substantial police reforms. Public perception of law enforcement agencies often borders on mistrust, with the police commonly viewed as chief violators of human rights. This perception is fueled by numerous instances of police brutality, corruption, and inefficiency.

Social activist Padmini Iyer says, "Transforming the police into a body that is truly representative and protective of human rights is essential for achieving justice and accountability. "

The issue of delayed justice in India is acute; countless individuals remain in jails for prolonged periods, often without conviction. This not only hampers the justice delivery system but adds to the anguish of families and communities waiting for resolution. The government has a moral responsibility to accelerate the justice dispensation process, ensuring that human dignity is preserved and basic rights upheld, according to social scientist TP Srivastava of Bihar.

Moreover, addressing income disparity is crucial in bridging societal gaps. The government must introduce policies aimed at redistributing wealth and resources more equitably. As environmental degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities, addressing socioeconomic inequalities can help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

This involves investing in renewable energy, social support systems, and education, empowering communities to be active participants in environmental conservation, according to Lucknow's socialist thinker comrade Ram Kishor.

International human rights bodies should recognise the right to clean air and water as fundamental human rights. This is crucial in the face of a deepening ecological crisis.

The UN should advocate for the rights of nature and strengthen human rights protection mechanisms. In India, the government must initiate meaningful police reforms and expedite the justice process while taking responsibility for addressing economic disparities.

Only through comprehensive efforts at both national and global levels can we safeguard our environment and human rights, ensuring a sustainable and just future for all.