Energy is the driving force of human development and economic growth. The ceaseless demand for energy resources has triggered the development of extraction projects around the world. This, in turn, has exerted a significant pressure on natural resources as well as on the environment. Since the performance of human rights depends on the environment and on access to natural resources, this Study aims to show the extent to which the negative environmental impact arising from extraction operations prevents the effective realization of human rights. The analysis of substantive and procedural human rights in the light of the case law of international human rights courts provides all stakeholders involved in an energy extraction project with the tools and mechanisms to prevent environmental damage and to ensure the protection of human rights.

Dr. María Augusta León Moreta promovierte 2014 an der Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität im Fach Rechtswissenschaften.