Human Rights and Climate Policies - The Human Rights Impacts of Climate Change and Mitigating Measures

This paper summarises and analyses the findings of studies conducted by six National Human Rights Institutions (independent state bodies) in Colombia, The Gambia, Honduras, Kenya, Namibia, and Sierra Leone. All of the six institutions have used the Climate Change and Human Rights Analytical framework with human rights indicators to review climate policies, plans and initiatives and for data collection through interviews with rights-holders. The studies conclude that, despite significant national climate change and disaster policy developments and initiatives for adaptation and disaster risk reduction, climate change is harming the right to life and the full spectrum of economic, social and cultural rights with disproportionate impacts on the most climate vulnerable and marginalised groups. Significant gaps have been identified in the implementation of core obligations to fulfil economic, social and cultural rights under international law. The absence of effective and targeted adaptation, disaster preparedness and response measures undermine realization of rights. In some instances, climate change measures have also violated rights. Fulfilment of procedural rights remains low, with challenges varying from intimidation of environmental human rights defenders to inadequate access to participation and consultation processes.