UN Official Emphasizes Intersection of Human Rights and Climate Change in Government Obligations
Mogadishu – Chief of UNSOM’s Human Rights and Protection Group Emphasizes Link Between Government Obligations and Climate Change in Human Rights Commitments.
Kirsten Young, the Chief of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia’s (UNSOM) Human Rights and Protection Group, highlighted the profound connection between human rights and climate change within the framework of government obligations.
Twenty two participants received a training primarily made up of university students, academics and civil society representatives studying or working on climate change issues.
The young activist concluded a three-day training on the nexus between human rights and climate change, held in Mogadishu and organised by the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).
Kirsten Young Has Urged Governments to Embrace Climate-Infused Human Rights Agenda. Photo/ UN
Ms Young underlined that numerous international commitments made by governments encompass areas such as children’s rights, economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights, all of which are intertwined with climate change considerations.
As countries strive to fulfill their commitments to global agreements, the implications of climate change on vulnerable populations, particularly children and marginalized communities, has been the subject of discussion by experts.
The Chief of UNSOM’s Human Rights and Protection Group who was speaking at the end of the youths training stressed that the evolving climate crisis significantly impacts various aspects of human rights.
She emphasized that governments hold a responsibility to address these issues comprehensively, considering both the immediate and long-term consequences of climate change on their citizens.
“This stance resonates with the broader efforts of the United Nations to promote sustainable development while safeguarding human rights and dignity,” she said.
Somalia has been experiencing a humanitarian crisis due to climate shocks which have led to widespread drought and flooding.
Drought Amplifies Rights Struggles: UNSOM Urges Inclusion of Climate Impact in Obligations. Photo/ UN
Some eight million people are in need of urgent assistance, with 6.5 million expected to face high levels of acute food insecurity and 1.3 million displaced due to conflict or climatic shocks.
Somalia’s 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan seeks $2.6 billion to assist 7.6 million vulnerable people across the country. However, the plan has received $851 million in funds as of 1 August, representing just 32.7 per cent of the total sought.