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UN Human Rights Council 50: UK statement on human rights and climate change

The UK delivered a statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change.

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom’s leadership on climate action is well documented. We have long recognised the unequivocal threat that climate change and environmental degradation poses to the lives and wellbeing of individuals and communities across the world, particularly the most marginalised and vulnerable. For example, the UK supported the first UN resolution on human rights and climate change in 2008 and, more recently, we advocated in favour of the creation of the new Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change.

For the remainder of our COP Presidency and beyond, we will continue to call on States to address the human rights implications of climate change and environmental degradation. The Glasgow Climate Pact urges Parties to respect, promote and consider their respective obligations on human rights whilst giving effect to the newly agreed Glasgow work programme on Action for Climate Empowerment.

Special Rapporteur,

What measures can States take to incorporate persons in vulnerable situations into climate policy development?

Thank you.

Published 28 June 2022