proqress had a neqative side as well - irreversible chanqes in the environment that pose a threat to human riqhts (E/CN.4/1990/SR.52/Add. 1 at para. 6). Mr. Vassilenko also indicated that standards for effective legal safeguards should be in place without delay in the interests of both individuals and societies and that such standards are part of international human rights standards (E/CN.4/1990/SR.46 at para. 58). Mr. Ndiaye (Senegal) stressed the need for accurate information regarding environmental matters as well as the urqent need to devote more attention to environmental degradation "to contribute to the promotion of human rights" (E/CN.4/1990/SR.46 at paras. 54-55). We most strongly concur with these Commission members. 4. Appointment of a rapporteur and preparation of a comprehensive study is particularly important now because of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development to be held in June 1992. The Commission also recognized the importance of the topic to the Conference and in operative paragraph 2 of its resolution 1990/41 asked the Secretary-General to transmit the resolution on human rights and the environment to the Conference Preparatory Committee. A Sub-Commission study, even if not in final form, could have a considerable impact on the work of the Conference. Indeed, without a significant human riqhts component to its work, there is a risk that the Conference will lack relevant input and, as a result, will be of only short-term or marginal use to the international community. Because of our high commitment to this topic, we will do whatever we can to assist the rapporteur prepare a meaningful working draft of the study by 1991 so that it can be presented at the Conference. 5. While recognizing that all areas of human rights law are affected by environmental or ecological damage or destruction, and in anticipation of 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the relationship between environmental degradation and human rights, highlighting the need for a comprehensive study to be prepared for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992. The text emphasizes the importance of considering the human rights implications of environmental damage and destruction, which suggests that the topic is closely linked to the natural resources and environment category.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Human rights