change and requires access to administrative and judicial remedies in cases of human rights
violations.”20
In October 2014, the Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council issued a joint
letter on the implications of climate change for human rights, which stated in part:
[W]e call on the State Parties to the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to ensure
full coherence between their solemn human rights obligations and
their efforts to address climate change, one of the greatest human
rights challenges of our time.
A safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment is
indispensable to the full enjoyment of human rights, including
rights to life, health, food, water and housing, among many
others…. The most recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) brings into sharp focus the grave harm that
climate change is already causing, and will continue to cause, to
the environment on which we all depend. There can no longer be
any doubt that climate change interferes with the enjoyment of
human rights recognized and protected by international law.21
In May 2015, the Climate Vulnerable Forum, chaired by the Philippines, submitted a
memorandum and three independent reports to Ms. Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of
the UNFCCC Secretariat. The independent reports are appended herewith as Annexes “B,” “B1,” “B-2,” and “B-3” respectively. Based on the reports, the Climate Vulnerable Forum found
that the UNFCCC target of limiting global temperature rise to 2°C is “‘inadequate,’ posing
serious threats to fundamental human rights, labour and migration and displacement, among
other factors.”22 The Petitioners believe that the findings in the report on labour underscore the
need for a comprehensive strategy on a “just transition” for workers and communities to ensure
everyone is a part of the sustainable economy and benefit from decent and green jobs.23
The propriety of this Petition is supported by the recognition by the UN Human Rights
Council, Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council, the nations participating in the
Climate Vulnerable Forum, and the Government of the Philippines of the human rights
implications of climate change.
20
Id. at 27.
M. Addo, et al.,, A New Climate Change Agreement Must Include Human Rights Protections for All, October 17,
2014 at 1. Available at http://srenvironment.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Letter-to-UNFCCC-FINAL.
22
Climate Vulnerable Forum, 20 Nations Call to Strengthen 2 Degrees Climate Goal, May 1, 2015,
http://www.thecvf.org/20-nation-forum-questions-unfccc-2-degrees-goal/ (last accessed June 15, 2015).
23
See T. Kjellstrom, et al, Ruby Coast Research Centre, Climate Change and increasing heat impacts on Labor
Productivity, Apr. 25, 2015. Available at http://www.thecvf.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/labour.pdf.
21
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