HRC56 Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change EU Statement

United Nations Human Rights Council

56^th session

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change

2 July 2024

EU Statement

Mr. President,

The EU welcomes Ms Elisa Morgera in her first appearance to this Council as Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change and reaffirms its support to her mandate.

Ms Morgera,

Your report provides a useful mapping of guidance on human rights issues and international obligations in relation to climate change. Despite massive and day by day increasing implications of climate change on human rights, yet a lot still needs to be done to fully grasp the magnitude of this challenge and translate commitments into policies and actions with human rights at the centre. The rich body of findings and recommendations produced by the UN system should play a crucial role in strengthening an evidence-based international policymaking on environmental protection and climate change.

We welcome your focus on advancing intersectionality in the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights in the context of climate change. In climate actions, primary attention needs to be paid to those most affected, including women and girls, Indigenous Peoples, and persons in vulnerable situations. It is essential to ensure the safe and meaningful participation and leadership of these persons as well as environmental and other human rights defenders and other members of civil society in policymaking to allow them to act as powerful agents of change. This is all especially relevant also in view of the upcoming COP29 in Baku.

Ms Morgera,

What concrete measures by States would you highlight as key for ensuring an intersectional lens across climate change-related actions?

Thank you.

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