PH-Led Resolution On Climate Change Adopted at UN Human Rights Council 

GENEVA 23 July 2018 – Highlighting the impact of climate change on vulnerable sectors of society such as women and children, the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted by consensus the Philippine-led resolution on “Human Rights and Climate Change” at its 38th Session (HRC 38) on 05 July 2018.

The Philippines, working with Bangladesh and Viet Nam, led the annual resolution on climate change and human rights, with a focus this year on the adverse impacts of climate change on the full and effective enjoyment of women’s rights.

“The impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly on marginalized groups such as women and children, is increasingly being recognized. Climate change diminishes economic productivity, and forces people to seek alternative sources of livelihood. Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN and Other International Organizations in Geneva Ambassador Evan P. Garcia remarked during the introductory statement of the Philippines at the plenary session of HRC 38. For some, the threat is existential: rising sea levels for example continue to claim coastal lands while salinization endangers the arability of nearby farmlands,” Ambassador Garcia added.

Ambassador Garcia further stressed that while climate change affects everyone, it does so unevenly.

“It especially affects women and children, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, the poor—the very populations in most need of our unwavering focus and attention. Through this resolution, we aim to further examine the effects of climate change on human rights, particularly of women, through a panel discussion and research on best practices and lessons learned,” the Ambassador added.

The Philippines, as a signatory to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, joins global efforts to strengthen action and heighten ambition in the context of common but differentiated responsibilities.

As a member of the Geneva Pledge, the Philippines continues to strengthen the working relationship between its human rights and climate change experts.

As a fellow defender of the human rights of the vulnerable, the Philippines urged other states to co-sponsor this important resolution, and asks that this resolution be adopted by consensus.

“As the international community takes active part in the Talanoa Dialogue initiated by Fiji and looks forward to the release of the IPCC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] report in October on the impacts of global warming of 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels, we must remain steadfast in our efforts to protect and promote the rights of all people, including women, in vulnerable situations,” Ambassador Garcia concluded. END

For more information, visit www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinGenevaUN/