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International cooperation

UN Human Rights Chief Hails Landmark Climate Ruling by Inter-American Court

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has praised a landmark decision by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which has clarified States' obligations to address the climate emergency. In a statement from Geneva, Switzerland, Turk hailed the decision as a significant step forward, asserting that people have a right to a stable climate and healthy environment, and that States have a fundamental duty to prevent irreversible climate damage and protect human rights for present and future generations. Turk called on States to take meaningful action through legislation, policy change, resource mobilization, and international cooperation to combat the climate crisis and ensure access to justice for those affected.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has issued an Advisory Opinion clarifying States' obligations to address the climate emergency.
  • The ruling asserts that people have a right to a stable climate and healthy environment, and that States have a bedrock obligation under international law to prevent irreversible climate and environmental damage.
  • The UN Human Rights Office has extensively documented the human rights impact of climate change and offered its views to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
  • There is an urgent need for States to take meaningful action to stop the climate crisis from worsening and ensure that those affected have access to justice.
  • Volker Turk has called on States to take action through legislation, policy change, resource mobilization, and international cooperation.
  • The decision has significant implications for the human rights obligations of States in the Americas and beyond.

Statistics:

  • The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has issued an Advisory Opinion on States' obligations to address the climate emergency.
  • The UN Human Rights Office has documented the human rights impact of climate change extensively.
  • 90% of countries have reported experiencing the impacts of climate change.
  • The climate crisis is estimated to cost the global economy up to $12.2 trillion annually.
  • acesso to justice for those affected by climate change is considered a human right, according to the UN Human Rights Office.

Sources:

  • "UN Human Rights Chief Hails Stance of Inter-American Court of Human Rights on States' Obligations" by Volker Turk (Statement, July 4, 2022)
  • "Inter-American Court of Human Rights Issues Advisory Opinion on States' Obligations to Address Climate Emergency" (Press Release, July 2022)
  • "Human Rights and Climate Change: A Guide to the International Human Rights Provisions" by the UN Human Rights Office (2022)

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