This paper examines the role of third-generation human rights and their implication in respect of the protection of the environment. In the first part, the emergence of third-generation human rights and the interrelationship between the rule of law and the protection of the environment in Namibia will be examined. For comparative purposes, reference will also be made to the situation in South Africa. The second part of this article reflects on environmental law and policy in Namibia, again with special attention to human rights. The third part focuses on current human rights and environment-related challenges for Namibia. Burning issues like climate change and poverty, the exploitation of natural resources and atomic energy, as well as international trade, globalisation and foreign investment are reflected with regard to the interrelationship between human rights and the environment. The Ramatex case exemplifies how liberal trade and globalisation driven by investment and profit motives can equally violate human rights and threaten the ecosystem.