Environment

Welcome to our sixth Curated series, which provides a space to reflect on conversations developed in the context of the Fundamental Rights Forum 2024 in relation to various issues concerning some pressing human rights challenges of our time and the significance of preparedness to overcome them.

The global youth climate movement faces significant challenges, including criminalisation and lack of support from the governments, yet it remains resilient. It is worth exploring India, with the world’s largest youth population, in relation to the youth climate movement at the intersection of right to participation and climate justice.

Understanding human rights law as a discourse of preventative practice, rather than remedy, can support preparedness in the face of large-scale emergencies, like the ecological crisis, but also in the face of ‘everyday’ emergencies faced by human rights defenders.

Those who are protesting against unsustainable uses of the ocean or exclusionary approaches to marine conservation should be recognised and protected as environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs), due to growing awareness of the interdependence between a healthy ocean and human rights.

The interplay between states and corporations is complex because of the increasingly blurred line between their spheres of influence. It is worth exploring the benefits of deliberative governance as a means of transparency in the decision-making process that fosters public participation and effective environmental protection.

Hopes were high that COP 28 might be a game-changer against the climate crisis. A closer look at the outcomes of the climate summit, however, say otherwise.

The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights remain relevant in terms of addressing business responsibilities regarding climate change. However, the private sector should be obligated to contribute towards climate financing, given the urgent need in the Pacific.

The destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam necessitated instant humanitarian action, yet, it will have massive far-reaching economic and social consequences over a much greater geographical area, including potential displacement and population migration risks.

Climate change has increased both the frequency and intensity of natural disasters in the past decade, particularly in the Asia-Pacific. A transformative adaptation and mitigation effort is essential to ensure resilience and sustainable development in the region.

In Southern Africa and other regions alike the majority of refugees are fleeing from climate disasters. Yet, international refugee law is silent on the matter. This leaves vulnerable groups at greater risk of human rights violations including statelessness and persecution.