PH-Led Resolution on Climate Change, Human Rights Adopted by Consensus at the 35th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Ambassador Evan P. Garcia (extreme left) delivers the introducing the resolution entitled “Human Rights and Climate Change”at the UN Human Rights Council on June 22 in Geneva. With him is Minister Enrico T. Fos, Philippine Mission’s Human Rights Officer.
27 June 2017 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The UN Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted today by consensus the Philippine-led resolution focusing on the adverse impacts on the full and effective enjoyment of the human rights of the migrants and persons displaced across international borders in the context of climate change.
“Through this resolution, the Philippines underscores that climate change continues and will continue to negatively impact all, without any exception. Climate change is a shared reality needing acceptance of common but differentiated responsibilities of all States. Our collective, comprehensive, and cross-sectoral response is an imperative,” remarked Ambassador Evan P. Garcia, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva.
The resolution A/HRC/35/L.32 entitled “Human Rights and Climate Change” was supported by at least forty (40) co-sponsoring States. Both the European Union and the United States supported the adoption of the resolution by consensus.
This HRC resolution mandates the holding of a panel discussion with a focus on the human rights of migrants and people displaced across international borders due to climate change. The summary of the panel discussion will be submitted as contribution to the ongoing process towards a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and to the work of the Task Force on Displacement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The Philippines leads the core group that includes Bangladesh and Viet Nam that are at the forefront of this resolution.
For more information, visit www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/genevapcg. END