The intensifying climate crisis poses unprecedented challenges that transcend environmental degradation, reaching deep into the realm of human rights. This session, titled "Climate Crisis and Human Rights," seeks to explore the intersection of climate change and human rights within the framework of international politics. It will examine the ways in which climate-induced phenomena—such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and prolonged droughts—are not only environmental issues but critical human rights concerns that threaten the lives, livelihoods, and dignity of millions across the globe.
This panel will emphasize that climate change is no longer just a scientific or environmental challenge; it is a profound human rights issue that demands urgent attention from the international community. As climate change exacerbates inequalities, marginalized and vulnerable populations bear the brunt of its impacts, facing threats to their basic rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water, and shelter. This panel will argue that climate action must be integrated with human rights protections to ensure that responses to the climate crisis are equitable and just.
Moreover, the panel will explore how the international community can and should respond to the human rights implications of climate change. Key questions will include: What role can international organizations, states, and non-state actors play in addressing climate-related human rights violations? How can international human rights law be leveraged to hold states and corporations accountable for actions contributing to climate change? What frameworks and mechanisms are necessary to protect climate-induced migration and other vulnerable groups?
Through a multidisciplinary approach, this panel will discuss innovative solutions and strategies for integrating human rights considerations into global climate governance. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the intricate links between climate change and human rights and to inspire actionable insights that can guide international policy in this critical area.