NHRIs showcase efforts to engage business on human rights and climate change
Three national human rights institutions (NHRIs) have shared how they are using their mandates in different ways to engage with business and communities to identify and counter harmful impacts on the environment and climate change.
Speaking at a side event hosted by GANHRI during the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council, representatives from the NHRIs of Kenya, Mongolia and Germany described how they have used public inquiry processes, roundtable discussions and policy advice to respond to human rights concerns in their respective countries.
The panel discussion, which also featured the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the context of climate change, highlighted the urgent need to integrate human rights considerations into business practices relevant to climate change and the critical role of NHRIs in addressing these challenges and fostering cooperation among stakeholders.
Roseline Odede, Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, discussed the negative impacts of carbon credit and offsetting projects, particularly on indigenous and pastoral communities, including displacement, environmental degradation, loss of cultural heritage, and exploitation.
Ms Odede explained how the Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project, as one example, has led to mass displacement and limited community benefits, with minimal consultation and consent. In response, the NHRI is conducting a national inquiry to address these concerns, facilitate reconciliation and inform future policy.
Commissioner Narantuya Ganbat from the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia highlighted the vulnerability of communities to climate change, severe air pollution, and desertification. She said her NHRI is actively engaged in high-policy dialogues on these issues and has made public awareness a priority.
In addition, the NHRI has been an advocate for legislation to support environmental human rights defenders and protect local communities, which has now been enacted in Mongolia.
The German Institute for Human Rights, represented by policy adviser Franziska Oehm, described recent legislative steps taken by Germany and Europe on business accountability and climate change, highlighting the NHRI’s role to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders and advise on risk assessment, justice, and environmental obligations for businesses.
Elisa Morgera, the UN Special Rapporteur, identified limited access to information as one of the key challenges in the area of corporate responsibility to respect human rights, especially in sectors contributing to climate change and those considered part of the just transition.
Ms Morgera shared her vision for her mandate, notably the adoption of a sector-by-sector approach to guide public regulation and ensure human rights protection. She stressed the importance of regional consultations and the crucial role of NHRIs to facilitate stakeholder engagement and monitor developments.
The open discussion featured insights from UNDP and OHCHR representatives, reinforcing the importance of supporting NHRIs in their climate-related human rights work, including in relation to corporate accountability.
The panel was moderated by H.E. Ambassador Amanda Gorely, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva.
“Fostering human rights and business accountability in the context of climate change: Experiences of National Human Rights Institutions” was held on 4 July 2024 and co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations, OHCHR, UNDP and the Center for International and Environmental Law (CIEL).
