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Press conference by Ian Fry, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change.
A UN expert said, “Climate change is the largest, most pervasive threat to the natural, natural environment and societies that we’ve ever experienced. And the poorest countries are paying the highest price.”
Briefing journalist today (21 Oct) in New York and following the presentation of his report earlier at the General Assembly, the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change, Ian Fry, said that throughout the world, human rights are being negatively impacted and violated as a consequence of climate change.
This includes the right to life, health, food, development, self-determination, water and sanitation, work, adequate housing, and freedom from violence, sexual exploitation, trafficking, and slavery.
“There is a massive injustice being manifested by the major economies on the poorest people. The G 20 countries, for instance, accounted for 78% of global emissions over the last decade,” Fry said.
The Special Rapporteur’s report focuses on the topics of mitigation action, loss and damage, access and inclusion, and the protection of climate rights defenders.
“We’re creating a human rights catastrophe as a consequence of climate change and the most effective of suffering the greatest loss, but least able to be involved and the least able to participate in current decision making,” Fry said.
He also said that more must be done to ensure they have a say in their future, including children and youth, women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and minorities.
Fry also raised deep concern about climate rights defenders, many of whom were persecuted by governments and security organizations, and some killed.
The expert emphasized that indigenous peoples, in particular, have been the target of serious attacks and human rights abuses.
According to the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change, the costs of these climate change-related disasters are enormous.
Fry said that an Oxfam report found that UN humanitarian appeals for extreme weather disasters rose by more than 800 percent between 2000 and 2021.
It is estimated that by 2030, the unavoidable economic losses due to climate change are projected to reach $290-580 billion.
Fry presented several recommendations to the General Assembly, including a proposed High-Level Mitigation Commitment Forum to be held in 2023, the establishment of a consultative group of finance experts to define the modalities and rules for the operation of a Loss and Damage Finance Facility, and a climate change redress and grievance mechanism to allow vulnerable communities to seek recourse for damages incurred.
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