The NHRI of Argentina has been using an innovative approach in addressing climate change. Their working plan consisted in using a comprehensive SDG monitoring and evaluation programme to identify key challenges in designing and implementing climate change policies and measures, highlighting the gaps that need to be addressed.

The first step taken has been mapping coinciding issues between UPR recommendations and SDGs and initiate investigations related to the thematic areas of the SDGs and send annual reports to national authorities and to the UN system.

By doing so the NHRI was able to identify the main concerns and obstacles linked to climate change and its impacts, by developing rapid responses in order to prevent further human rights violations.

In order to effectively implement the SDG monitoring and evaluation programme, the NHRI has been collaborating with civil society, universities, companies and government agencies.

In relation to climate change, the NHRI has developed a project that aims to regulate the mining industry sector by advising and supporting the industry in respecting the UN Guiding Principles, which are protecting everyone from human rights abuses committed by business enterprises, respecting human rights and protecting people affected from the business activity by providing access to effective remedy.

Towards reaching an agreement with the mining industry, they have been working “with the mining provinces to try to ensure that the sector plan gives content to the national action plan” and they are supported by the EU, OHCHR, ILO and other partners.

The programme from the NHRI of Argentina is not just an example of how an NHRI can use use its mandate to monitor human rights-related aspects of the SDGs, but it is mainly a great example of the unique role of NHRIs in mediating and bridging between the multiple stakeholders that have a role in protecting all human rights.