The climate crisis poses an unprecedented threat to human rights, disproportionately affecting those who have been made vulnerable through historical marginalization. 

As climate change-fuelled floods, droughts, forest fires, and sea level rise cause havoc across the globe, those least responsible are paying for the damage with their lives and livelihoods. Some of these losses are non-economic in nature and inherently linked to human rights, such as health, cultural heritage, and Indigenous knowledge.

Under international human rights law, those who have experienced human rights violations are entitled to access effective remedies. 

Providing effective remedies for countries, communities, and individuals that have suffered huge losses and irreparable damage from climate change is an obligation that states, particularly wealthy nations, are still doing little to address.

Redressing mounting climate harms or addressing loss and damage at scale requires bold, urgent action at all levels, including the UN climate regime and human rights institutions. Human rights standards serve as necessary guidance as to how mechanisms and institutions should be designed to realize just and effective solutions. 

Explore the impactful documents, briefings, articles, and written statements CIEL has published and submitted to international human rights, environmental, and climate organizations over the years.

2024

2023

2022

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Last update, April 2024