Integrating Human Rights in Climate Action

This briefing note from the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) outlines recommendations for UNFCCC Parties at COP-25 to integrate human rights, gender equality, and participatory processes into climate action. It emphasizes the need for rights-based safeguards in Article 6 market mechanisms, the ratification of the Escazú Agreement, and the protection of indigenous peoples and local communities in adaptation and loss and damage frameworks.

• The document argues that climate change poses an "unprecedented threat for human rights" and that the failure to center human rights in climate policies often results in "ineffective policies and further harm" for indigenous peoples and local communities.
• CIEL recommends that Article 6 mechanisms of the Paris Agreement—including the Sustainable Development Mechanism—must incorporate social and environmental safeguards, robust stakeholder consultation, and an independent, rights-compatible grievance mechanism to avoid repeating the "mistakes of the CDM" which led to human rights abuses and environmental harm.
• The briefing calls for the rapid ratification of the Escazú Agreement on Environmental Democracy in Latin American and Caribbean countries to protect procedural rights and environmental defenders, specifically urging Chile to sign and forward the agreement to Parliament for ratification.
• Regarding the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for Loss and Damage, the document advocates for the establishment of a financial mechanism to mobilize resources specifically targeted toward the most vulnerable populations.
• The note suggests that the Lima Work Programme (LWP) and its Gender Action Plan (GAP) should be enhanced to be human rights-based and gender-responsive, utilizing an "intersectional lens" and integrating gender considerations into the concept of a just transition.
• The document emphasizes the importance of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform, urging Parties to maintain the "equal footing" of indigenous representatives and to provide voluntary financial commitments for its work plan.
• CIEL recommends that the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) prioritize mapping gaps to ensure the "adequate engagement of multiple stakeholders" in National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), including youth, civil society, and indigenous peoples.

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} }