HWPL and Global Experts Tackle Human Rights in the Face of Climate Change

As the world grapples with intensifying climate-related disasters—ranging from extreme heatwaves and floods to food insecurity and displacement—there is growing urgency to address the human rights implications of climate change. Recognizing this, the international peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), led by Chairman Man Hee Lee, has taken proactive steps by organizing global dialogues on the intersection of human rights and environmental crises.

On February 1, 2024, HWPL hosted an online human rights webinar titled “Multidimensional Approaches to Climate Rights”, bringing together over 80 participants from eight countries, including India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Afghanistan, and the Philippines. This event was part of an ongoing series initiated in July 2022, aimed at deepening understanding of the human rights impacts of climate change in South Asia and beyond.

Participants included legal scholars, human rights activists, lawyers, civic leaders, and students who gathered to examine how climate change threatens basic rights such as access to food, clean water, housing, and self-determination. The webinar emphasized the need for human rights-based approaches to development and climate resilience, especially in vulnerable regions.

Key speakers shared powerful insights:

• Kamal Hossain, former Minister of Justice of Bangladesh, stressed that climate change poses a serious obstacle to realizing human rights and expressed hope that the webinar would contribute to global efforts in climate protection.

• Sunil Jod, Chair of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and the National Council for Legal Awareness, urged businesses to integrate sustainable practices and support climate resilience as part of their social responsibility.

• Professor Abdul Awal Khan from Independent University in Bangladesh, highlighted the need for transparent and accountable governance structures to support climate-affected communities, particularly in developing nations.

• Professor Sairam Bhat of the National Law School of India underscored that climate change is not a myth but a pressing reality with the most severe effects on impoverished and marginalized populations. He called for shared wealth and knowledge to empower affected communities.

• Ifhusana Hamid, a legal expert from the Maldives, stressed the importance of raising public awareness and linking climate-related laws to fundamental human rights.

In the latter part of the webinar, participants from various backgrounds shared reflections that emphasized the importance of collective responsibility and solidarity:

• Rajesh Kumar, Associate Professor at Delhi University, spoke on the social and cultural challenges faced by nations hosting climate-induced migrants, warning of potential increases in human rights conflicts.

• Fahim Faigham from Afghanistan’s CAFCDO and UN Women, described how economic instability and natural disasters such as earthquakes have made Afghan communities increasingly vulnerable, expressing gratitude to HWPL for providing a platform for global solidarity.

• Iolana Graca, advisor to the Minister of Justice in São Tomé and Príncipe, emphasized that climate and human rights issues are not isolated to individual nations but are shared global concerns.

HWPL announced its ongoing commitment to submitting annual project reports on climate and human rights to the UN Human Rights Council. The organization also plans to continue global campaigns, education initiatives, and civil engagement aligned with Article 10 of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)—promoting a culture of peace in the face of climate change.

By creating spaces for international dialogue, HWPL not only advances legal and civic collaboration but also reinforces the principle that protecting human rights in the era of climate crisis is a shared moral duty for all humanity.

Source: https://shorturl.at/93dpv