50th Session of the Human Rights Council: Nordic-Baltic Statement - Panel on adverse effects of climate change on human rights of people in vulnerable situations

Human Rights Council
50th session

Panel on adverse effects of climate change on human rights of people in vulnerable situations

Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)

28 June 2022

Mr. Chair,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Iceland.

We thank the distinguished panelists for their contributions. It is important to ensure a strong global message on the human rights impacts of climate change, disproportionately affecting persons in vulnerable situations.

The Human Rights Council has rightly underlined the interlinkages between human rights and climate change. It is our joint duty to tackle the adverse effects of climate change on the realization of human rights and to enhance a just and equal transition.

We must pay special attention to the protection and promotion of the rights of those who are more acutely impacted by climate change, including women and girls, children, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, persons in vulnerable situations and environmental defenders.

We thank the panel for highlighting that the integration of human rights into climate action will increase its effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability. It is vital to empower women and persons in vulnerable situations and ensure their full, effective, equal and meaningful participation in decision-making at all levels.

Esteemed panelists,

How can we best promote the integration of a gender perspective in climate action?

Thank you.