BUILD YOUR VISION FOR HUMANITY
The voices of environmental defenders are vital in advocating for climate justice, yet they often face intimidation, harassment, and violence. By protecting their unwavering dedication and activism we can build a future that respects human rights and protects their environments and cultures.
Climate action must not violate human rights, and reduces rather than increases inequality. By taking decisive action to address the climate crisis, we can shape a future that is fair and just for all, where the rights and dignity of every person are respected and protected.
Governments and corporations have an obligation to protect people from harms caused by the climate crisis. They must be held accountable for the human rights harms related to climate change for which they are responsible.
Vulnerable communities must be safeguarded from climate-related disasters, and those disproportionately affected by climate change must receive the support and resources they need to adapt and thrive. Often it’s those who contribute the least to climate change that are most impacted.
Climate change & human rights
Human rights are intimately linked with climate change because of its devastating effect on not just the environment, but our own wellbeing. In addition to threatening our very existence, climate change is having harmful impacts on our rights to life, health, food, water, housing and livelihoods.
The longer governments wait to take meaningful action, the harder the problem becomes to solve, and the greater the risk that emissions will be reduced through means that increase inequality rather than reduce it.
With millions already suffering from extreme weather – from drought in sub-Saharan Africa to severe flooding in Pakistan and devastating tropical storms sweeping across the Pacific – we know that it is critical to act now to reduce climate pollution.
Here in Aotearoa we have experienced the impact of flooding first-hand and know the devastation it can cause. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the situation, but it is crucial to remember that there is still time to make a difference
That is why Amnesty is pushing for accountability from states and companies which fail to act on climate change, just as we do with other human rights violations.
And as we have done for many years, we will keep supporting and protecting environmental rights defenders and affected communities.who work to save their land against climate impacts, extraction of fossil fuels and deforestation.
AOTEAROA JOINED THE FIGHT TO PUT CLIMATE JUSTICE ON THE INTERNATIONAL AGENDA
After tireless by students from across the Pacific, and with support from Amnesty International, Aotearoa became one of 105 countries to support the Vanuatu initiative to take the issue of climate justice to the world's highest court.
Taking climate change to the International Court of Justice means the court will give a legal opinion on the obligations of governments to of present and future generations against the adverse effects of climate change.
Youth Power Action Human Rights Training
Amnesty International Zimbabwe is brought together young people from around the country for an intensive 5-days training on leadership and campaigning for human rights.
The training brought together different youth stakeholders from diverse backgrounds such as student representative bodies, community-based organizations, environmental organisations, and women and youth-focused organizations.
This was a unique opportunity for young people with and without prior experience working on promoting and protecting human rights to gain skills, knowledge and confidence, to lead and plan actions for human rights impact.