Between November 30 and December 12, delegations from around the world will convene to negotiate solutions to the climate crisis at the UN Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai. This is urgent. The world is now 1.1°C warmer than pre-industrial times, and the effects of climate change are already evident.
This affects human rights. A damaged climate system will lead to more extreme weather events that threaten human lives, homes, health, biodiversity, and the nature we depend on. Human rights obligate states to protect their citizens from such threats, including the right to life, privacy, health, property, and a livable environment. Climate change is rightly described as one of the greatest threats to human rights by 161 countries in a resolution from the UN General Assembly.
To advocate for this perspective, NIM’s director, Adele Matheson Mestad, is attending COP28. NIM has two main purposes for participating:
1. Advocate the challenges from 120 national human rights institutions to the delegations
Together with 120 national human rights institutions, we, through our global alliance GANHRI, have jointly issued a letter with six appeals to all delegations. One major appeal is that states must increase their ambitions for emission reductions to achieve the 1.5°C goal in the Paris Agreement. A new report from the UN Environment Programme shows that with states’ adopted policies, warming is still on track for 2.9°C. This could have catastrophic consequences for human rights. To keep the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C within reach, GANHRI also urges states to phase out fossil energy while increasing renewable energy and energy efficiency.
GANHRI also emphasizes that human rights must be integrated into climate negotiations. This includes ensuring that civil society can freely participate in climate negotiations and that environmental defenders are protected before, during, and after COP28 in Dubai.
The full letter from GANHRI to the delegations can be read here.
2. Contribute to meaningful discussions on climate and human rights and observe ongoing negotiations
NIM will also participate in various events and act as an observer in the ongoing negotiations, aiming to promote human rights in the discussions.
If you wish to get in touch with us:
Director Adele Matheson Mestad will be in Dubai from December 2 to 6. If anyone wishes to contact NIM in Dubai, Director Adele Matheson Mestad can be reached via email at adele.mathesonmestad@nhri.no .
Press contact in Norway is Magnus Eide. Phone: +47 93 88 24 53 Email: magnus.eide@nhri.no .