About the Statement

A written statement was issued by the Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR), in cooperation with a consultative organization, under document number A/HRC/57/NGO/54. The statement, submitted to the Human Rights Council at its 57th session (September – October 2024), focuses on the need to strengthen international efforts to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights in the context of the UAE Climate Agreement. It highlights the role of the United Arab Emirates in leading global efforts toward climate justice grounded in a comprehensive, rights-based approach.

Statement Content

• The statement highlights the strong interconnection between climate change and fundamental human rights, such as the rights to life, health, food, housing, and development.
• It affirms that climate change poses a direct threat to the effective enjoyment of these rights, especially in developing countries and among vulnerable populations.

International Human Rights Framework:

• The statement underscores the significance of Human Rights Council Resolution 41/21 on “Human Rights and Climate Change,” which requires states to address the impacts of climate change as part of their human rights commitments.
• It commends the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the relationship between climate justice and human rights.

The UAE Climate Agreement as a Pillar of Rights-Based Climate Action:

• The statement considers the UAE Climate Agreement, which was adopted during COP28 hosted by the UAE in 2023, a milestone in international climate action.
• It praises the UAE leadership in adopting the agreement and its role in:
• Reducing carbon emissions.
• Directing investments toward climate solutions.
• Securing climate funding for developing and affected countries.

Key Achievements of the UAE Climate Agreement:

• A global climate fund with a budget of USD 792 million, and an additional USD 3.5 billion allocated to the Green Climate Fund.
• Launch of the UAE’s “Altira” Fund with $30 billion in investments to boost global climate finance.
• Significant financial contributions, including:
• USD 5 billion for renewable energy.
• USD 3.1 billion for agriculture and food.
• USD 2.9 billion for the health sector.
• USD 2.6 billion for nature protection.
• USD 1.2 billion for relief and recovery efforts.
• USD 1.2 billion for methane emissions reduction.
• Nearly USD 0.5 billion for clean energy and national climate action.

Statement Recommendations

• Adopt the UAE Climate Agreement as a primary framework for global climate action.
• Align nationally determined contributions (NDCs) with the agreement.
• Work toward transforming the Agreement into a binding international mechanism and develop indicators to track commitments.
• Document the UAE’s experience as a leading model in organizing climate conferences.
• Strengthen climate justice to ensure protection for the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Significance of the Statement

• The statement reflects a strategic shift in linking climate justice with human rights within the UN framework.
• It highlights the UAE as a driving force in promoting just and effective global climate action.
• It calls for the adoption of a model based on equity, financial commitment, and sustainable development to address climate change.