The declaration, signed by 51 United Nations special rapporteurs and released this Monday (10th) on the occasion of the opening of COP30 in Belém, Pennsylvania, recalls the historic judgment of the United Nations’ highest judicial body, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), on the obligations of states on climate change.
This document calls for urgent and effective implementation of the climate change agreement in a fair and inclusive manner. The seven-page text states: “The credibility of COP30 as a whole depends on achieving significant results on mitigation and international financial and technical cooperation.”
The document makes particular reference to fossil fuels and related subsidies, which have been identified as “key drivers of climate change and its human rights impacts.”
The Declaration calls on States to fulfill their obligations under international law and recalls the ICJ’s confirmation that the human right to a healthy environment is a “prerequisite”, “inherent” and “essential” to the enjoyment of all human rights in the context of the climate crisis.
The demonstration also said there was a need to “limit the presence of fossil fuel lobbyists at the COP” and “ensure transparency, public participation and meaningful dialogue with civil society.”
The 51 signatories are led by Elisa Morgella, UN Special Rapporteur on climate change and human rights, and Albert K. Balme, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples. Special Rapporteurs are independent volunteer experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council.
“There are sufficient binding legal obligations that explain why states must act, for the benefit of all of us and our well-being,” Morgella said. sheet In September. “We hope that the Brazilian Presidency will incorporate the ideas from this process into its COP30 priorities.”
She was referring to the ICJ’s advisory decision, which confirmed that all countries have strict due diligence obligations to protect the environment and climate system and prevent further damage through mitigation measures, adaptation, and ecosystem conservation and restoration.
The court said in July that countries must strive to present gas emissions reduction targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), with transparency and seriousness. “Countries must do everything in their power to ensure that their NDCs express the highest possible ambitions to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement.”
According to a study by the Climate Watch platform, on the first day of COP30, the number of NDCs distributed reached 110. This total represents 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions. National plans are a Paris Agreement decision and must be updated every five years by the 195 signatory countries.
The ICJ judges assessed that failure to protect the climate for current and future generations is a breach of international obligations and could lead to penalties against countries. It cited the production, consumption, and granting of licenses and subsidies for fossil fuels as activities that could be considered illegal and subject to penalties.
About The Author
