On Tuesday April 9, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) made history by condemning Switzerland for violating the European Convention on Human Rights. This decision follows a complaint denouncing the inadequacies of the Swiss authorities in their fight against climate change, which they accuse of harming their quality of life and health.
The ECHR examined whether the country had violated the convention, notably by failing to take adequate measures against global warming, despite a new global heat record in March. By a majority vote of sixteen to one, the ECHR ruled that Switzerland had violated the right to respect for private and family life, as well as the right to a fair trial.
This decision highlights the fact that the Convention guarantees the right to effective protection against the serious consequences of climate change on life, health, well-being and quality of life.
The Swiss Federal Office of Justice has taken note of the Grand Chamber’s decision. However, the Swiss political party UDC strongly criticized the ruling as “unacceptable”, and called for Switzerland’s withdrawal from the Council of Europe, arguing that the Strasbourg judges had failed to take into account Switzerland’s exemplary efforts to reduce CO2 emissions.
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