Climate action ineffective without human rights focus, Institute argues in UN Report
- Henrique Napoleão Alves
- Feb 23
- 3 min read
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – 23 February 2025 – The Facts and Norms Institute has submitted a comprehensive report to the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development (EMRTD) outlining crucial steps for integrating climate justice into global climate negotiations.
The submission, authored by Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves, emphasizes the critical link between human rights and climate change, arguing that a rights-based approach is essential for achieving fair and effective climate action.
Titled "Climate Justice, Sustainability, and the Right to Development: Input to the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development," the Institute’s report draws on legal research, literature reviews, and document analysis to present a robust case for prioritizing human rights in climate-related discussions and policies.
Key Highlights of the Submission:
Human Rights as the Foundation of Climate Justice: The report argues that human rights provide a concrete framework for understanding and operationalizing climate justice. It highlights the obligations of states to mitigate climate change, ensure adaptation capacity, guarantee accountability, mobilize resources for sustainable development, and promote international cooperation, all through the lens of existing human rights law.
Overcoming Barriers in Climate Negotiations: The Institute identifies key obstacles to integrating human rights into climate talks, including the technical focus of negotiations, limited capacity of delegations, liability concerns, and, in some cases, outright rejection of certain human rights principles. The report proposes practical solutions, such as targeted training, inter-agency collaboration, strategic framing of issues, and building broader coalitions to advocate for a rights-based approach.
Calls for a "Human Rights Economy". The report advocates for a "human rights economy". This approach would utilize existing human rights laws to influence budget priorities, decrease inequalities, encourage progressive fiscal policies, and guarantee transparency in financial decision-making.
Stresses the importance of access to Information. The report underscores access to Information as a cornerstone of Climate Justice, and examines how corporate denial is a recurring phenomenon where industries systematically deny or downplay the harms of their activities.
Actionable Recommendations: The submission offers concrete recommendations, including promoting a "human rights economy" that centers human rights in economic decision-making and improving access to information on climate change and its impacts.
"Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it's a profound human rights crisis," states Professor Alves.
"Integrating human rights into climate negotiations isn't just a moral imperative; it's a practical necessity for achieving effective and equitable climate solutions.
By addressing the root causes of vulnerability and ensuring that the voices of those most affected are heard, we can build a more just and sustainable future for all."
The Facts and Norms Institute's submission builds upon its extensive work in human rights research and advocacy, including collaborations with the United Nations and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The Institute's ongoing commitment to promoting human rights-based solutions to global challenges positions it as a key voice in the ongoing dialogue on climate justice.
About the Facts and Norms Institute:
The Facts and Norms Institute is an independent academic institution based in the Global South. The Institute's mission is to promote education, justice, human rights, and the pursuit of peace. The Institute has extensive experience collaborating with international bodies, including the United Nations and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, through Amicus Curiae submissions and research projects on various human rights issues.
To read the Institute's submission, click here:
Comments