in the past, there were major united nations' human rights tools like the universal declaration on human rights, the international covenant on civil and political rights or international covenant on economic, social and cultural rights. these do not recognize the right to a healthy environment. the 1972 stockholm declaration recognizes the right but is not a legally binding document. the 1992 rio declaration does not use the language of human rights. however, it says that individuals shall have access to information on environmental matters, participation in decision-making and access to justice. the currently proposed un resolution is the "global pact for the environment". if it is adopted, it would be the first un human rights instrument to include the right to a healthy environment.