1. Introduction
UNICEF Philippines is pleased to submit the following amicus curiae brief to the Honourable
Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines with a view to assisting the Commission in
its National Inquiry on the Impact of Climate Change on the Rights of the Filipino People and
the Responsibility therefore of the “Carbon Majors”.
In particular, this brief seeks to inform the Commission’s investigations by highlighting the
specific vulnerabilities of children to the impacts of climate change in the Philippines, and the
wide-ranging implications for their rights, as laid down in the UN Convention on the Rights of
the Child.
The brief draws on the UNICEF Philippines’ recently-completed Climate Landscape Analysis
for Children in the Philippines – the first study of its kind – as well as other relevant national
reports, research and frameworks, scientific evidence, and guidance from the UN Committee
on the Rights of the Child and other human rights mechanisms.i
UNICEF’s Mandate and Role
UNICEF is an agency of the United Nations devoted to serving the world's children, focusing
particular effort on reaching the most vulnerable and marginalised children. We are present
in 190 countries and territories and our mandate is to uphold children’s rights as set down in
the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most widely-ratified international human
rights treaty in the world.
UNICEF began providing assistance to the Philippines in November 1948. Since then, we
and the Philippine government have been partners in protecting Filipino children. In 1990,
the Philippines became the 31st State to ratify the Convention. The Convention establishes
legally and morally binding obligations on every State Party to undertake all appropriate
legislative, administrative and other measures for the implementation of the rights that the
Convention enshrines.
UNICEF has identified climate change as one of the greatest threats to children’s
fundamental rights and wellbeing, and recognises that addressing this global challenge will
be vital for building a more sustainable future for children.1 Accordingly, UNICEF Country
Offices around the world are mobilising to incorporate climate change and the provision of a
safe and clean environment for children in their programmes and operations.
i
This brief was prepared by Joni Pegram on behalf of UNICEF Philippines.