Integrating Human Rights in Climate Action

The document argues that climate action must be rights-based to be effective, urging COP-25 to ensure that Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Article 6 mechanisms include social and environmental safeguards. It specifically calls for the ratification of the Escazú Agreement, the establishment of a financial mechanism for loss and damage under the Warsaw International Mechanism, and the integration of gender-responsive approaches in the Lima Work Programme. The briefing also emphasizes the need for independent grievance mechanisms in the Sustainable Development Mechanism to remedy harms to local communities and indigenous peoples.

• The document asserts that climate change poses an "unprecedented threat for human rights" and that ignoring these rights in climate responses leads to "ineffective policies and further harm", especially for indigenous peoples and local communities.
• For the Article 6 mechanisms of the Paris Agreement, the author recommends three essential components to prevent and remedy harm: social and environmental safeguards, robust stakeholder consultation including the free, prior, and informed consent of indigenous peoples, and an independent, rights-compatible grievance mechanism for the Sustainable Development Mechanism.
• The briefing urges Latin American and Caribbean countries to ratify the Escazú Agreement on Environmental Democracy to protect procedural rights and environmental defenders, specifically calling on Chile to sign and forward the agreement to Parliament as it held the COP Presidency.
• Regarding loss and damage, the document argues for the establishment of a financial mechanism under the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) to mobilize resources specifically targeted toward the most vulnerable populations.
• The author recommends that the review of the Lima Work Programme (LWP) and its Gender Action Plan (GAP) result in a long-term programme that uses an "intersectional lens" and integrates gender considerations into the concept of a just transition.
• The document advocates for the protection of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform, urging Parties to maintain the "equal footing" of indigenous representatives and provide voluntary financial support for its work plan.
• The briefing suggests that the Katowice Committee of Experts on the Impacts of the Implementation of Response Measures (KCI) should be used to promote a just transition that guarantees the rights of workers and communities, rather than being used as a "bargaining chip" in negotiations.

APA

Center for International Environmental Law (2019). Integrating Human Rights in Climate Action. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/BriefingNote_HRCCciel_COP25-final.pdf

Chicago

Center for International Environmental Law. Integrating Human Rights in Climate Action. 2019. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/BriefingNote_HRCCciel_COP25-final.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Center for International Environmental Law |title=Integrating Human Rights in Climate Action |date=1 November 2019 |url=https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/BriefingNote_HRCCciel_COP25-final.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{centerforinternationalenvironmentallaw2019integrating, author = {{Center for International Environmental Law}}, title = {{Integrating Human Rights in Climate Action}}, institution = {Center for International Environmental Law}, year = {2019}, month = nov, url = {https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/BriefingNote_HRCCciel_COP25-final.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }