Session organized by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights
Background:
Climate change is emerging as one of the most critical challenges faced by humanity. South Asia is no exception, as it “
is home to some of the world’s countries most vulnerable to climate change”. Climate change impacts, directly or indirectly, the enjoyment and realisation of all human rights and poses existential threats. The impact of climate change is likely to be faced differently and disproportionately by different individuals and communities. Therefore, urgent collective actions are required on the part of States, businesses and other stakeholders to mitigate and adapt to climate change in line with international human rights standards.
Session Description:
This session will discuss science-based and human rights-compatible mitigation and adaptation strategies that States and businesses have been taking, the challenges that have faced, and potential solutions to overcome these challenges. It will especially focus on how the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights could be used to guide such strategies/actions and in turn contribute to achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 13 (“Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts”). The session will feature a moderated discussion with panellists followed by questions and comments from the virtual floor.
Session Objectives:
The key objectives of this session are to:
- Explore linkages between States’ duty to protect human rights and rights-based climate action in the context of building back better.
- Unpack what the responsibility of businesses and investors to respect human rights means in the context of climate change.
- Discuss managing better adverse human rights impacts associated with transition to zero carbon economy.
Discussion Questions:- What is the relevance of policy coherence and collective action in mitigating climate change?
- What incentives should States provide to businesses (including SMEs) in responding to climate change?
- How can businesses integrate climate change considerations into their human rights due diligence or impact assessment processes?
- What role could be played by ESG disclosure in accelerating climate change action?
- How to ensure that transition to zero carbon economy is human rights compatible?
- How to provide access to remedy to individuals and communities affected by climate change?
