Today, 10th December, we celebrate Human Rights Day at the climate change negotiations in Paris – COP21.
The Foundation will kick-off the celebration of Human Rights Day at the COP21 by co-hosting a high-level event with the COP21/CMP11 President, Minister Laurent Fabius. This continues on the tradition of celebrating Human Rights Day at COP started by Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, Minister of State for Environment, Peru, and President of COP 20/CMP 10.
Building on the historic connections here in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed, we will host a climate justice dialogue with a broad range of stakeholders.
In addition to the high level dialogue, Mary Robinson will also participate in a panel discussion at a side event entitled “Climate Change: One of the Greatest Human Rights Challenges of Our Time” co-hosted by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and Earthjustice. Other panellists include Patrizianna Sparacino-Thiellay, Ambassador for Human Rights of France; Adriana Murillo, Human Rights, Gender and Climate Change Specialist, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Costa Rica; John Knox, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment; Ursula Rakova, Executive Director of Tulele Peisa and Craig Mokhiber, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Mary Robinson will also co-host with Ambassador Luis de Alba, Ambassador of Mexico in Austria and Permanent Representative of Mexico to the International Organizations based in Vienna, a meeting of the ‘Friends of the Principles’, an informal group of Parties and observer organisations that are championing human rights and gender equality in the Paris climate agreement.
Mary Robinson will also moderate a discussion on “Business and Climate justice – What role can business play in tackling the adverse human rights impacts of climate change? “ at an event organised by the Global Compact France with the support of UNHCR.
Related Links
Find out more about our work on Human Rights and Climate Change
Rights for Action – Putting People at the Centre of Action on Climate Change
Women’s Participation – An Enabler of Climate Justice
Zero Carbon Zero Poverty the Climate Justice Way
Incorporating Human Rights into Climate Action