First IACHR resolution focused on climate emergency and human rights is launched in Chile under the auspices of GI-ESCR

On 8 April, The Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (GI-ESCR),  Espacio Público, and the Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights (REDESCA), launched in Chile Resolution 3/21 "Climate Emergency: Scope of Inter-American Human Rights Obligations", published in March 2021 by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) together with the Office of the Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights (REDESCA). 

 The event was held in Fundación Colunga, Santiago de Chile and was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonia Urrejola, and the Minister of Environment, Maisa Rojas, as well as civil society organizations linked to environmental and human rights issues. 

 The link between the crisis caused by climate change and its effects on human rights is evident. In fact, at the international level, there is consensus that this relationship is directly proportional, considering, for example, that the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and the intensification of meteorological changes lead to an increase in risks for people and ecosystems. Thus, it is essential to recognize the current scenario and take measures to address it. For this reason, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Office of the Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) presented Resolution 3/21 "Climate Emergency: Scope of Inter-American Human Rights Obligations" in March of this year. The document, which takes note of the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), includes standards and recommendations addressed to the member states of the Organization of American States (OAS).  

 The Chancellor highlighted the importance of Resolution 3-21, commenting that “one of the main commitments of President Gabriel Boric is to promote a foreign policy focused on the environment and human rights". She also added that "the Resolution shows a diversity of issues, such as human rights in the environmental context, the role of business and climate change (…) It also shows its connection with the Escazú Agreement, recently promoted by the government". 

 The Minister of the Environment, Maisa Rojas, stressed the urgency of the climate and economic crisis, stating that "it is time to make decisive and transformative decisions”. As a country and as a government we seek to promote respect for human rights and the environment, together with civil society organizations, the business community and citizens in general. This resolution is in line with that," she said. 

 After these interventions, the Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights of the IACHR, Soledad García Muñoz, presented the resolution. She sustained that “hopes this resolution will be a tool for action, for justice and for climate ambition, with human rights considered in their entirety (…) those groups that contribute the least to the greenhouse effect are the most affected by climate change. Real environmental justice is needed”, she said. 

 Finally, a panel discussion -moderated by Rodrigo Guerrero of Espacio Público- was held, with the participation of Magdalena Sepúlveda, executive director of GI-ESCR and former Special Rapporteur for extreme poverty and human rights of the United Nations, and Andrea Sanhueza, director of Espacio Público and representative of the public for the Escazú Agreement. 

 Andrea Sanhueza, director of Espacio Público, referred to an innovative aspect of the resolution presented: "the resolution speaks - just like Escazú - of the importance of bringing information closer to the different communities, which is fundamental for a true environmental democracy".  

 Finally, Magdalena Sepúlveda indicated that "there must be a transition towards renewable energies, but incorporating the needs of women and vulnerable groups: the great absentees until now”. 

 

In the pictures: Soledad García Muñoz, first special rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights, Magdalena Sepúlveda Carmona, ED at GI-ESCR, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile, Antonia Urrejola and Minister of Environment Maisa Rojas.

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