COP29: REDESCA urges the adoption of firm commitments in climate financing with a human rights approach

November 11, 2024

Washington, D.C. - On the occasion of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Special Rapporteurship on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) calls on States and global actors to adopt firm commitments to advance climate financing.

REDESCA highlights that, in the face of the devastating effects of climate change in the region — including severe storms, major floods, and catastrophic wildfires— an adequate financial response is urgently needed to address the environmental crisis and protect the human rights of the most vulnerable communities. While progress has been made, such as establishing the Loss and Damage Fund and other international commitments on climate financing, these efforts still require more effective and accessible mechanisms. It is essential that these mechanisms enable countries to respond to climate impacts without compromising their economic and social stability, providing a solid foundation for true climate justice.

The Special Rapporteurship emphasizes that climate financing must be grounded in principles of climate justice and common but differentiated responsibilities, recognizing both the historical responsibility of countries with the highest greenhouse gas emissions and the vulnerability of regions that, despite having contributed minimally to climate change, suffer its impacts disproportionately. Clear examples of this situation are the Caribbean and the Amazon, which face severe climate consequences and contain vital global carbon sinks.

The Resolution 3/2021 of the IACHR and REDESCA underscores that the climate emergency constitutes one of the greatest threats to the full enjoyment of human rights in the region, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. This connection between human rights and climate change highlights the urgency for States to adopt comprehensive climate policies and adequately finance both mitigation and adaptation to environmental impacts. The resolution also emphasizes the need to mobilize international resources with a focus on climate justice to prevent the costs of this crisis from falling on those who have contributed the least to its origin and to protect ecosystems essential for global climate stability.

Furthermore, recognizing that climate change exacerbates structural inequalities and disproportionately impacts people and groups who have historically borne the heaviest burdens of inequality — including women, children, adolescents, Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendant communities, and those in poverty or with disabilities — REDESCA issues an urgent call to adopt financing measures and climate policies with a human rights approach, ensuring that support is directed equitably toward the most vulnerable populations.

COP29 represents a critical opportunity to increase climate financing in an era marked by rising environmental disasters within the context of the climate emergency. This effort must include clear commitments for compensation and reparations to the most vulnerable countries, addressing both economic and non-economic losses and damages. So far, resources have been insufficient and existing support mechanisms have not been effective enough, highlighting the urgent need to mobilize climate financing that is accessible, equitable, and adequate to meet both current and future needs. Likewise, it is essential for States to make more ambitious commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, integrating a just energy transition that prioritizes the protection of human rights. Increasing climate ambition is crucial, as is establishing concrete plans for the gradual and just phase-out of fossil fuels. In line with climate justice principles, States with greater historical responsibility must lead this transition, placing the rights and needs of the most affected populations at the center of climate decisions.

The Special Rapporteurship on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights is an office created by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to strengthen the promotion and protection of economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights across the Americas, leading the Commission's efforts in this field.

No. RD283/24

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