humanrights_biodiv-aug-17ad743a2fdf852b.pdf

This briefing, compiled by the Human Rights in Biodiversity working group, provides guidance on integrating a human rights-based approach (HRBA) into the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). It argues that an HRBA is a necessary condition for equitable and sustained biodiversity conservation and offers specific recommendations to strengthen the GBF's draft text, including explicit references to international human rights law, the protection of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs), and the empowerment of women and youth.

• The briefing defines a 'rights-based approach' as synonymous with a 'human rights-based approach,' which requires the incorporation of international human rights law and standards to ensure biodiversity policies do not violate human rights and actively promote them.
• The authors argue that the first draft of the post-2020 GBF lacks a direct reference to 'human rights' and recommend incorporating explicit references to international human rights instruments in paragraphs 12, 14, and 16, or through the creation of 'Guiding Principles' based on the UN Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• Securing the tenure rights of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) is identified as a crucial condition for achieving area-based targets. The document notes that at least 25% of global land is traditionally owned, managed, used, or occupied by indigenous peoples.
• The briefing calls for increased accountability in the business and finance sectors, recommending independent verification of business performance under Target 15 and the application of human rights-based financing to ensure resources reach direct custodians of biodiversity, such as women and IPLCs.
• The document emphasizes the need to protect human environmental rights defenders, calling for a safe environment and timely remedies for those facing criminalization or violence, which should be embedded in the GBF preface and Target 21.
• The briefing highlights the need for gender equality and intergenerational equity, noting that women's agency is often unrecognized and that children and youth have rights to a healthy environment and cultural heritage that should be reflected in the GBF targets.
• To ensure accountability, the briefing suggests establishing a review mechanism for the GBF based on models from other treaties, such as the Aarhus Convention, the Escazu Agreement, and the Universal Periodic Review, utilizing multi-source reporting and community-based monitoring.

APA

Natural Justice (n.d.). humanrights_biodiv-aug-17ad743a2fdf852b.pdf. https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/humanrights_biodiv-AUG.pdf

Chicago

Natural Justice. humanrights_biodiv-aug-17ad743a2fdf852b.pdf. n.d. https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/humanrights_biodiv-AUG.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Natural Justice |title=humanrights_biodiv-aug-17ad743a2fdf852b.pdf |url=https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/humanrights_biodiv-AUG.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{naturaljusticendhumanrightsbiodivaug17ad743a2fdf852bpdf, author = {{Natural Justice}}, title = {{humanrights\_biodiv-aug-17ad743a2fdf852b.pdf}}, institution = {Natural Justice}, url = {https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/humanrights_biodiv-AUG.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }