Climate rights are human rights
UNCLOS is a vital tool for asserting the climate rights of affected populations.
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UNCLOS is a vital tool for asserting the climate rights of affected populations.
As the climate crisis continues to escalate, the Philippines is at a place where ecosystem degradation intersects with human vulnerability. The undeniable reality is that climate rights are human rights.
This often-overlooked connection forms the bedrock of global efforts to address the effects of climate change. It is a fight for the planet’s survival as well as for the protection of fundamental human rights — the right to life, food security, water, health and a safe planet.
The recent visit of President Tomas Heidar of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) to the Philippines underscores the country’s proactive engagement in the battle for climate justice. The Philippines, as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, has consistently highlighted the importance of human rights-based international cooperation to address the climate crisis. The visit reaffirms our commitment to harness the international legal system, such as ITLOS, to define state obligations, assert climate accountability, settle disputes, and ensure that nations act in accordance with global commitments.
At the heart of the ensuing discussion is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a crucial instrument in clarifying the responsibilities of States in the management of marine resources, including the impacts of climate change on oceans and coastal areas.
As rising sea levels threaten coastal communities and marine biodiversity, UNCLOS provides a legal framework that compels nations to take responsibility for their environmental impacts. More than ever, this convention is a vital tool for asserting the climate rights of affected populations.
Similarly, the recent proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have been pivotal in pushing forward the global discourse on climate justice. These proceedings delve into the legal responsibilities of States in mitigating climate change and protecting vulnerable populations from its devastating effects. The ICJ’s role in interpreting international law on this issue could reinforce the inextricable link between human rights and environmental protection.
The Philippines, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has amplified its voice on the global stage, advocating for a rules-based international system that upholds not only environmental sustainability but also human dignity. The Marcos administration continues to push for international accountability, particularly from countries and industries that have contributed significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The core of this advocacy recognizes that addressing climate change is both a matter of protecting ecosystems and safeguarding human lives. The impacts of climate change — intensified typhoons, rising sea levels, extreme heat, and flooding — pose direct threats to the livelihoods and well-being of millions of Filipinos.
These impacts disproportionately affect the most vulnerable — those in poverty, marginalized communities, and indigenous populations. This underscores the urgency of framing climate action as a human rights imperative.
The Climate Change Commission (CCC), as the lead policy-making body on climate change in the country, is fully aligned with this vision. Working closely with the Office of the Solicitor General and the Department of Foreign Affairs, the CCC fully supported crafting the Philippines’ legal, scientific and policy positions on the global stage. This collaborative, inter-agency and one-country-team approach strengthens the nation’s advocacy for justice, resilience and sustainability. It highlights our commitment to ensure that the Philippines remains a strong advocate for both human rights and ecological protection amid the climate crisis.
The Philippines’ participation in international climate discussions, including those at ITLOS and the ICJ, reaffirms the country’s resolve to hold the international community accountable. As we push for climate justice, we are also fighting for the recognition that climate change is a human rights issue — one that affects not just the environment, but the most basic rights of individuals and communities worldwide.
Locally, the impacts of climate change are already evident. Coastal communities face the constant risk of rising sea levels. Agricultural livelihoods are increasingly under stress due to erratic weather patterns. As sea temperatures rise, our rich marine biodiversity is under threat, impacting food security and the millions who depend on the seas for their livelihoods and sustenance. These realities ground our global advocacy in local experiences, where the need for stronger climate action becomes irrefutable.
As climate impacts continue to wreak havoc, the Philippines remains resolved in calling for equitable solutions and ensuring that the most vulnerable have a voice in shaping global climate policies. The CCC is committed to ensure that the Philippines meets its international obligations and continues to champion the human rights of those most affected by climate change.
The message is clear: protecting ecosystems and upholding human rights are two sides of the same coin. Without strong action to address the climate crisis, we risk eroding the very foundations of human dignity and security. The Philippines will remain steadfast in its advocacy to push for climate justice through a rules-based international system that holds all nations accountable. We stand united with the global community, advocating for a future where the planet and its people are both safeguarded. Climate rights must be recognized as human rights — an essential pillar in the global quest for a sustainable, equitable and resilient future.
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