The new mandate-holder has the expertise, the opportunity & the imperative to promote ambitious, equitable, rights-based climate action
Geneva, CH — Today, as part of its 49th session, the United Nations Human Rights Council appointed Dr. Ian Fry for the newly established position of UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change.
Following the announcement, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) issued the following statement:
“CIEL welcomes Dr. Ian Fry’s appointment as the new Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change. Dr. Fry brings long-standing expertise as a climate negotiator for the Pacific Island States within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). He has continuously supported human rights-based approaches to climate action, contributing to more equitable and ambitious climate action and playing a leading role in protecting communities from the impacts of harmful carbon trading mechanisms. His insights into the heightened risks faced by the most vulnerable communities, least responsible for the climate emergency, such as small island states, positions him well to leverage the human rights regime in support of those needing urgent action and justice. His expertise and commitment will be crucial to breaking the silos between human rights fora and the climate governance world and in supporting the Human Rights Council as it seeks to offer guidance to States and remedy climate injustice.
Dr. Fry’s appointment has the potential to galvanize much-needed attention to the intersection of human rights and climate change at a pivotal moment. We are hopeful that this will be an opportunity to protect and uplift the human rights of communities and Indigenous Peoples at the frontlines of the climate crisis. We look forward to engaging with Dr. Fry to support the demands of the most affected, in close cooperation with other Special Rapporteurs and relevant institutions.”
***
Media Contact:
Cate Bonacini, press@ciel.org, +1-202-742-5847
Posted on April 1, 2022