Climate change is threatening the future of children and young people worldwide. The recognition of the right to a healthy environment by the United Nations was a historic step - but further measures are needed to achieve environmental justice.
Extreme weather events are on the rise around the world - often with devastating consequences for people. In Mozambique, for example, where millions depend on agriculture, cyclones, floods and droughts have destroyed large parts of the country in recent years. The threat to livelihoods posed by climate change creates great uncertainty, especially for young people. What about their rights?
In 2021, the UN Human Rights Council recognized the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right. Although this resolution is not legally binding, it sent a strong political signal. All the more so as it was adopted without any dissenting votes and with only four abstentions.
Protecting future generations
Another strong signal followed last year: the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child made it clear that states are not only obliged to stop current violations of children's rights, but also to prevent future violations. This also applies to environmental and climate damage abroad. This is why "General Comment No. 26 on children's rights and the environment, with a focus on climate change" is considered a milestone. It is also noteworthy that children from 121 countries were involved in this interpretation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Right to a healthy environment
Further steps must now follow at a political and structural level. For example, efforts are currently underway to include the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment in the European Convention on Human Rights.
On the ground in Mozambique, farmers are required to react to the new realities and familiarize themselves with climate-friendly farming methods. This creates a minimum of planning security for them. Together with local partner organizations, terre des hommes schweiz supports young people with these challenges. But adjustments in the field alone are not enough to secure their future. The recognition of international legal principles is just as important.
