Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change
UNGA 77, Third Committee
21 October 2022
Delivered by Helen Inga S von Ernst
We welcome Mr. Ian Fry in his first appearance to the Third Committee as Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change and thank him for his report.
We hope that through this mandate an increased attention will be given to the negative effects of environmental change and climate change on the enjoyment of human rights across the globe. The magnitude of this challenge still needs to be further analyzed and translated into policies and actions that have human rights at the center.
It is worth noting in this context that during our term on the Human Rights Council, one of Iceland’s priorities was the impact of environmental change, including climate change, on human rights. Looking ahead, Iceland will continue to make the link between human rights and the environment and climate change a focus in our upcoming chairmanship in the Council of Europe.
The biggest challenge we collectively face in the longer term is the climate crisis. The Icelandic Government has a clear goal to make Iceland a leader in combating climate change.
Such efforts include measures to support communities with mitigation and adaptation against the effects of climate change, which remains a strategic priority in Iceland’s Development Cooperation, including working towards sustainable use of natural resources with increased use of geothermal energy and other renewable energy sources, recovering land quality, and the protection and sustainable management of the oceans and waters. Iceland is also firmly committed to our responsibility to respect, protect and promote human rights in all climate change-related actions.
Special Rapporteur,
What measures can States take to incorporate persons worst affected by the climate crisis and in vulnerable situations into the development of climate policy?