Protecting human rights in the face of climate change

On December 10, 2018, the world will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1948, this historic moment signalled the beginning of new era founded on respect for human dignity and the belief that all people worldwide should be able to exercise their rights in full equality. Seventy years later, the increasing impacts of climate change are undermining these values.

Preserving the vision of a shared future where all people can live in peace and dignity now requires decisive action by all governments. To remain true to their commitment to protect human rights for all, governments must urgently tackle the disastrous impacts of the fossil fuel industry on our planet; protect those speaking up for the rights of their communities and for their supporting ecosystems; promote gender equality; provide adequate support to vulnerable countries and impacted communities; and guarantee that projects implemented in the name of climate action do not reinforce existing abuses or create new ones.

The next round of UN climate change policy negotiations begins in Katowice, Poland next week – these are considered to be the most important climate negotiations since the Paris Agreement was adopted.

Yesterday, Amnesty Canada sent a letter to Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change highlighting our recommendations for protecting human rights in the face of climate change.

Read Amnesty’s recommendations

We encourage you to sign this petition organized by the Center for International Environmental Law.

If you use Facebook or Twitter, please retweet/share these posts:

 

Thank you,

Fiona Koza

Topics