Ha Noi, 18 October 2022 – The UN Development Programme (UNDP) held Policy Discussion on the Human Rights and Climate Change Nexus in Ha Noi today, focusing on how to achieve a just, green and sustainable environmental development with principles of equity and human rights at the center.

This is a follow-up to an international workshop co-hosted by UNDP and Viet Nam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in July on the climate change impacts on the human rights enjoyment of the most vulnerable.

“Norway appreciates the work of UNDP and partners to enhance the understanding of the interdependence and interlinkages between climate change and human rights,” said Deputy Ambassador of Norway to Viet Nam Mette Møglestue. “A clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is the foundation of human life, and the protection of the environment is a necessary precondition for the enjoyment of human rights for present and future generations”.

With the support by the Embassy of Norway, UNDP introduced a new policy paper to answer the two guiding questions: 1) which human rights are affected by climate change impacts? and 2) how can we address those impacts in a way that minimizes or remedies adverse effects on human rights enjoyment, instead of exacerbating them?

The study provides an overview of human rights impacts and roles and responsibilities of stakeholders based on UN normative instruments on Human Rights and Climate Change. UNDP recommends to policy makers and government authorities at all levels to ensure that climate change adaptation and mitigation policies and measures, including the Just Energy Transition, are effectively grounded on a Human Rights-Based Approach that put people’s rights at the center and meet the core principles of participation, accountability, non-discrimination and equality, empowerment, and legality.

Addressing the Policy Discussion, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam Ramla Khalidi offered three reflections and recommendations for a more inclusive and rights-based approach to climate action in Viet Nam to ensure that no one is left behind.  

First, it is fundamental to integrate a human rights analysis of the implications of climate change as part of the broader and mandatory policy impact analyses. Considering that Viet Nam has ratified the core human rights treaties such as the ICESCR, ICCPR, as well as the Paris Agreement, human rights standards should be integral to Viet Nam’s implementation of climate policies to fulfil commitments made at COP 26.

Second, a whole-of-society approach is needed to mobilize the innovation, expertise and collaboration required to tackle the climate crisis. The voices of women, youth, migrants, ethnic minorities, academia and social organizations are crucial to sustainable policy outcomes.

Third, voice, participation, and data collection and transparency are not enough if there is no accountability. Communities and individuals must be able to hold policy makers accountable to their international and domestic commitments. Therefore, mechanisms to ensure dialogue, access to information, and legal remedy help resolve disputes and provide effective remedies and are an essential part of our call for climate justice. 

“Education on human rights impacts of climate change and legal empowerment should therefore be a priority focus,” said UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam Ramla Khalidi. “UNDP is deeply committed to supporting stakeholders in Viet Nam to ensure the planning for climate change adaptation, mitigation, just energy transition and environmental protection, are aligned with Human Rights standards. UNDP is passionate about supporting Viet Nam’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 and getting there in an inclusive and participatory way that leaves no one behind”.

A highlight part of the Policy Discussion is Panel discussion on the entry-points for engagement on the protection of human rights affected by the impacts of climate change, and about the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in this context in Viet Nam. The conversation, moderated by Diana Torres, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative and Head of Governance and Participation Team, brought in interesting perspectives from researchers, experts, academia, diplomats, businesses, and Government officials.

---

For more information, please contact:

Nguyen Viet Lan, phone: 0914436769; email: nguyen.viet.lan@undp.org