Statement by International Development Law Organization (IDLO)
Enhanced Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change
Thank you, Mr. President.
The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) thanks the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change for his report on providing legal options to protect human rights of displaced persons due to climate change, particularly related to women and children.
IDLO recognises that climate change is a threat, constituting a significant global challenge to peace and sustainable development.
Climate mobility has emerged as the human face of the climate crisis. People are increasingly displaced by natural disasters and conflicts induced by climate. They often choose rural–urban, coastal–inland, or transboundary migration as a strategy for coping with adverse effects of climate change. Once climate migrants are on the move, they often face violations of basic human rights, coercive violence, food insecurity, lack of access to land, water, and other natural resources, and discrimination or exclusion from vital public services.
IDLO is committed to continue addressing people’s needs due to the climate crisis through the lens of the rule of law and human rights and to apply a holistic approach, integrating policy, programmatic initiatives, and research. In this context, IDLO’s goal is to strengthen regulatory frameworks and make them just, equitable, and people-centred. IDLO aims to enhance access to justice, both through formal and informal systems, to fill in normative gaps in the protection of displaced people and others who suffer the effects of climate change. Additionally, IDLO works to empower the most climate vulnerable communities and people, particularly women and children, seeking justice for the violations of their rights.
In conclusion, IDLO commends the Special Rapporteur for his engagement and would like to know his view on what would be a proactive way in which the international community can support women’s and children’s access to justice in the context of climate mobility.
Thank you.