Together with ESCR-Net, we contributed input on loss and damage to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development's Annual Report for 2024.

The input provided underscored the reality of loss and damage through the situations local communities are facing due to the effects of climate change. The contribution shows the need for further action on loss and damage to protect the right to development. 

Organisations conveyed to the Special Rapporteur the need for further efforts to guarantee the rights of those most vulnerable to climate change, especially from the Global North.

The submission also addressed the obligations of States and the need for corporate accountability in relation to loss and damage. We highlighted the need for radical reforms in light of the significant influence of States and corporations in perpetuating dependence on fossil fuels. 

We also focused on states' failure to regulate businesses and hold those responsible for their extractive and exploitative practices accountable. 

The brief also focussed on the lack of accountability from corporations, especially transnational corporations, which are some of the most significant drivers causing and profiting from the climate crisis. 

The submission noted that those actions of States and corporations in their endless greed for economic growth - co-opted as 'development'- are actually hindering the right to development.

The brief also focussed on further actions needed from States to comply with their obligations according to the right to

development. 

Moreover, the brief discusses the need to phase out fossil fuels, end militarism and divest from the arms industry, address the impact of loss and damage on cultural heritage and identity, and advance climate policies with the input of impacted communities.

The submission also underscores the importance of following a human rights approach when operationalising the loss and damage fund. 

We called on the Rapporteur to stress that the fund should not create debt, be granted through public finance, and operate based on Polluter Pays and CBDR-RC principles. 

The brief also called the Rapporteur's attention to the need to ensure the meaningful and effective participation of frontline communities and ascertain its transparency and accountability. 

Finally, we also called on the Rapporteur to emphasise the need to recognise and respect the collective rights of Indigenous Peoples.

With this contribution, we continue our advocacy efforts towards the UN mandate, pushing for a fair and sustainable transition that follows human rights and social and climate justice principles.

You may read the presentation here: