The Environment as a Fundamental Human Right

Europe House, Valletta

“You have the right to live in an environment that doesn't kill you, and therefore a healthy environment is essential as a human right”, declared MEP Cyrus Engerer during a public debate on considering our natural environment as a human right at Europe House on Friday 26 January.

MEP Engerer emphasised that without a healthy environment, people’s health also suffers, leading to a deteriorating quality of life.

MEP Cyrus Engerer speaking at the "The Environment as a Fundamental Human Right" event

He noted that work is being done in the EP to include this right in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, and it could possibly become part of the reform of the EU Treaties. He also took the view that these legislative changes can be effectuated proactively: Malta could alter its constitution and introduce the right to a healthy environment, taking a leading role in Europe on this as it has done in the field of LGBTIQ rights.

Dr Mario Sammut, head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Malta, addresses the audience at "The Environment as a Fundamental Human Right" event

MEP Engerer was interviewed by moderator Claire Agius Ordway and also answered questions from the public. He spoke about his work in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), as well as in the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO). He also spoke about his work in the Special Committee Against Cancer, where research analysed showed that cancer could be reduced by 40%, and this objective was introduced as a basis for the Committee’s work.

In addition, he spoke about civil liberties, equality, mental health, the life situations of LGBTIQ people, and access to medicines, including his work for a derogation to enable continued access in Malta to medicines from the UK.

Attendees for "The Environment as a Fundamental Human Right" event

MEP Engerer encouraged action at various levels: national, European and even individual, through making more use of European citizens’ initiatives.

He stressed the importance of participating in the European elections, to influence Europe’s direction: “with our vote, we will also be determining who will lead the EU and what political path it will take in the coming years.”

MEP Cyrus Engerer and Dr Mario Sammut shaking hands at "The Environment as a Fundamental Human Right" event

The debate was interpreted in sign language and broadcast live online on our Facebook page.

This was the first in a series of retrospective, reflective looks at all Maltese MEPs' legislative achievements in the past 5 years, and form part of the EP's together.eu digital community-building initiative.