HRC62 - Iceland GC - A/HRC/62/L.18: Human Rights and Climate Change

Human Rights Council – 62nd Session
General Comment on draft resolution L.18
Human Rights and Climate Change
Statement by Iceland

President,

We thank the core group for presenting draft resolution L.18 on human rights and climate change.

Iceland remains steadfast in its support for collective, science-based, and action-oriented responses to the adverse impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on the enjoyment of human rights worldwide.

We underscore the importance of grounding our efforts in the best available science and pursuing ambitious emissions reductions in line with the objective of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.

Iceland considers it essential that the Council maintain its focus on the human rights implications of climate change, particularly for those in vulnerable situations, who continue to be disproportionately affected by its impacts. In this regard, we believe the draft resolution could be further strengthened by sharpening its focus on human rights.

We further note with concern the overlap between elements of this draft resolution and existing international frameworks and processes. Greater coherence is needed to avoid duplication of efforts while respecting the mandates and commitments established under the Paris Agreement.

Climate change has profound consequences for the enjoyment of human rights, and it is precisely in addressing these impacts that this Council has an important role to play. Iceland therefore believes that our work on this issue should remain firmly focused on the human rights implications of climate change, as this is the purpose for which this Council is uniquely mandated and can add the greatest value.

I thank you.