If We Value Human Rights and the Rule of Law, Then We Must Fight for Climate Justice

Cyclone damage in Vanuatu. Credit: UNICEF/ReliefWebBy Jotham Napat and Patricia ScotlandLONDON, Mar 23 2023 (IPS) Human life is sacred and every individual deserves an equal chance in life. We have a common desire, we all want to lead a free, fulfilling existence, with dignity, where our basic needs are met, with opportunities to advance and equal treatment under the law. These are fundamental human rights, protected by international law, which we all have a shared responsibility to protect. Out of the horrors and bloodshed of war, we created an international system for cooperation between nations under the United Nations, with our rights enshrined by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Today, our rights are threatened not only by weapons, but by the destruction of our environment, our earth, our only home. Climate change is wreaking havoc on people’s basic human rights to life, food, water, housing, health and a decent standard of living. And as the IPCC stated just this week, we have a “rapidly closing window of opportunity” to prevent this destruction. Hon Jotham NapatWe cannot let these rights be taken away from us – particularly from vulnerable communities. We must act. This month, when formidable twin cyclones Judy and Kevin slammed into the small island nation of Vanuatu within days of each other, they laid waste to homes, infrastructure and crops, severely impacting more than 80% of the population. And like many other climate-vulnerable Pacific Isla...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Climate Action Climate Change Development & Aid Environment Global Headlines Health Human Rights Inequality TerraViva United Nations IPS UN Bureau Source Type: news