The Right to Sustainable Energy in Light of Human Rights and International Energy Law
Keywords:
Right to sustainable energy, Human rights, International energy law, Sustainable development, Intergenerational justiceAbstract
The right to sustainable energy has emerged in recent decades as one of the new human rights; a right that has gained particular importance alongside the growing needs of societies for energy and the necessity of addressing environmental crises. Sustainable energy not only means access to renewable and clean resources but also encompasses a broader concept that includes social justice, sustainable development, and the protection of the rights of future generations. Within the framework of human rights, this right is closely linked to rights such as the right to development, the right to a healthy environment, and the right to an adequate standard of living, and it can be considered a dimension of third-generation human rights. On the other hand, international energy law, as a new branch of international law, provides an important framework for regulating the relations of states concerning the exploitation, transfer, and consumption of energy. Despite significant instruments such as the Energy Charter, the Paris Agreement, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, serious challenges remain, including the dominance of fossil fuels, economic barriers, and geopolitical rivalries, which hinder the full realization of this right. By analyzing the overlaps and conflicts between human rights and international energy law, this article demonstrates that the recognition and guarantee of the right to sustainable energy is not only a legal necessity but also a moral and global imperative. In conclusion, by emphasizing the importance of strengthening legal and supervisory frameworks, the necessity of active participation of developing countries in shaping the international legal regime of sustainable energy is highlighted.
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