About the Statement:

During the 57th session of the Human Rights Council and under Agenda Item 2 (General Debate), the Union Association for Human Rights delivered an oral statement emphasizing the need for stronger international efforts to combat climate change. The statement called for the implementation of the historic UAE Climate Agreement adopted at COP28, describing it as a transformative step in climate justice and global environmental work. The statement emphasized that the implementation of this agreement aligns with the aspirations of the High Commissioner and United Nations bodies to achieve climate justice and protect human rights amid rapidly accelerating environmental changes.

Content of the Statement:

• Commended the Council and the High Commissioner for their efforts in protecting the environment and climate under international frameworks, especially the UNFCCC.
• Highlighted the direct link between climate and human rights, noting that climate change threatens the rights to life, health, food, water, and sustainable development.
• Urged States to commit to implementing the UAE Climate Agreement, being:
  • The first of its kind to call for a just and actual transition away from fossil fuels.
  • A real step toward achieving climate justice.
  • A cooperative platform for global solidarity against the climate crisis.
• Affirmed that COP28 outcomes represent:
  • The most ambitious international decisions package since the Paris Agreement.
  • A robust foundation for activating voluntary national and international climate protection commitments.

Importance of the Statement:

• Strengthening the institutional link between human rights and climate action: The statement reinforces the idea that climate justice is not merely an environmental issue but primarily a human rights matter that must be addressed through the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.
• Affirming the UAE’s leadership in international climate action: The statement highlights the UAE Climate Agreement as an influential international initiative reflecting the UAE’s leading role in shaping a sustainable and environmentally just future.
• Calling for adoption of the agreement as a UN reference framework: The statement recommends that the UAE Climate Agreement serve as an operational and institutional framework upon which the High Commissioner and UN bodies base their forthcoming reports and mechanisms.
• Linking climate change to global stability: The statement emphasizes that ignoring climate change will destabilize human security, deepen inequalities and climate injustice, thereby undermining the prospects for development and justice.