Common Concerns of Humankind: From The Emergence to the International Cooperation For Environmental Protection

The concept of “common concerns of humankind” has emerged in the context of international environmental law in 1990s. It was set forth in order to find a way to deal with global environmental challenges as well as to address disputes arising between states over the concept of “common heritage of humanity”. Then, the concept went beyond its original contexts, namely biodiversity and climate change, and led to other instances of common concerns to be discussed accordingly. This article will first go through the nature and scope of Common Concerns of Humankind. It continues by addressing the emergence of the concept in the field of international law, especially in the framework of the basic principles of international environmental law and obligations Erga Omnes; and finally, states obligations and responsibilities regarding the concept will be redefined.