Definition

Duty-bearers are individuals and entities that have a responsibility to respect, protect and fulfill the human rights of rights-holders, as well as abstain from human rights violations. States individually are the primary duty-bearers under international human rights law but duty-bearers include both state and non-state actors. Depending on the context, private sector companies and individuals can also be considered duty-bearers. ^{1  2}

Protecting ecosystems and species is closely tied to fulfilling human rights obligations. For example, healthy ecosystems are essential for the rights to food, water and a healthy environment. Duty-bearers have obligations and responsibilities to protect biodiversity against environmental harm that adversely impacts human rights.

UNICEF (2017) ¹

OHCHR (2011) ²