The right to a healthy environment within the extractivism in the Americas: the scope of inter-american standards on business and human rights

Abstract

The right to a healthy environment and its close relationship and interdependence with other human rights are widely recognized in the Americas. However, the extractivist logic of most of the American States’ economies facilitates the development of business activities that generate serious negative impacts and affects the enjoyment of this right, as well as other human rights that depend on the appropriate environmental conditions for their enjoyment. In this sense, this article answers the research question on the extent to which the inter-American standards on business and human rights contribute and provide new elements for the respect and guarantee of the right to a healthy environment in the context of extractive activities.