Applying a human rights-based approach

The briefing argues that a human rights-based approach is an essential condition for stopping biodiversity loss in an equitable manner. It recommends that the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) explicitly reference international human rights instruments, adopt a formal definition of 'human rights-based approach', and establish review mechanisms to monitor compliance. Key priorities include securing the land tenure rights of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs), ensuring equitable governance in area-based measures, and protecting human environmental rights defenders.

• The document asserts that a human rights-based approach is a "necessary condition for stopping biodiversity loss and degradation in an equitable and sustained manner" and is essential for the resilience of life systems and the management of natural resources.
• The authors recommend that the post-2020 GBF explicitly use the full term "human rights-based approach" and include a definition in its glossary, developed with input from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
• Securing tenure rights for indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) is identified as a crucial condition for achieving area-based targets, noting that "at least a quarter of the global land area is traditionally owned, managed, used or occupied by indigenous peoples".
• The briefing calls for the protection of human rights defenders in environmental matters, advocating for a "safe and enabling environment" and the provision of "effective and timely remedies" for those facing violence or criminalization.
• The document suggests broadening the scope of fair and equitable benefit sharing beyond genetic resources and the Nagoya Protocol to include "biological resources and ecosystem services".
• The briefing emphasizes the need for gender equity, noting that women face limitations in accessing financial resources and land ownership, and highlights "direct links between environmental pressures and gender-based violence".
• To ensure accountability, the document recommends establishing an effective review mechanism to monitor the application of an HRBA and suggests using multi-source reporting, including "community-based monitoring information systems".

APA

Natural Justice (n.d.). Applying a human rights-based approach. https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/humanrights_biodiv-AUG.pdf

Chicago

Natural Justice. Applying a human rights-based approach. n.d. https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/humanrights_biodiv-AUG.pdf.

Wikipedia

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

BibTeX

@techreport{naturaljusticendapplying, author = {{Natural Justice}}, title = {{Applying a human rights-based approach}}, 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} }