The human rights issues explored in this literature review are those that have been recognised by international bodies and the courts as being implicated by waste. These include substantive rights regarding exposure to waste such as right to life, health, safe and healthy work, among others detailed below. It also encompasses human rights to information and participation. These rights are informed by principles such as non-discrimination and equality.
The following structure is used in this literature review:
- The applicable rights to be considered in a human rights-based approach to waste, focusing on substantive rights, are presented.
- Based on existing literature and observations, groups, and sub-groups at elevated risk among priority waste streams are identified.
- Specific attention is paid to the issues of social inclusion and gender equality in waste management governance, as this is understood to be the predominant human rights concern on most islands in the scope of the review.
- Procedural rights discussions.
- Recommended questions to be asked of the Islands to inform further research and analysis.