Monday morning, and back in Bonn.
Paris sent a strong signal on the need for urgent action to tackle climate change to protect the most marginalised peoples and communities. It’s time for parties to start the hard work of translating language on human rights, into actual protections on the ground.
Last year, countries explicitly recognised that all climate actions must respect human rights, the rights of indigenous peoples, gender equality, ecosystem integrity and intergenerational equity, while ensuring for food security and a just transition to a clean energy economy.
The first step is to find a space for a cross-cutting dialogue about how human rights are integrated. The French and Moroccan presidencies should join forces to seek a specific outcome in Marrakesh.
Second, governments must promote cooperation to integrate human rights into national climate actions. The review of guidelines for Annex-1 national communications and the ongoing capacity building work provide opportunities for Parties to exchange best practices. This also includes supporting developing countries with the implementation of rights-based policies and measures.
Finally, Parties should ensure that all policies and projects implemented under the UNFCCC respect human rights. For instance, the Sustainable Development Mechanism must have robust safeguards, monitoring and accountability processes.
Civil society is eager to work with countries to ensure the promise of Paris becomes a reality, starting now.