The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on July 14 approved a resolution on human rights and climate change, which was submitted by Vietnam, on behalf of the Core Group including Bangladesh and the Philippines.

The UN Human Rights Council adopted the resolution on human rights and climate change. Photo: Geneva Environment Network

Human Rights and Climate Change Resolution, with a focus on all persons in vulnerable situations, was ratified at the 47th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC47) that took place from June 21 to July 14, 2021, in Geneva and online.

The resolution encouraged the continued discussions among states and relevant stakeholders on the possible creation of a new Special Procedure addressing the adverse impact of climate change on the full and effective enjoyment of human rights.

It also decided to incorporate into its annual program of work, beginning in 2023, sufficient time, at a minimum a panel discussion, to discuss different specific themes on the adverse impacts of climate change on human rights.  

Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UN, the World Trade Organization, and other international organizations in Geneva, stated that Vietnam supports the UN’s human rights mechanisms and practical dialogues on the issue.

Regarding Covid-19 response, Mai called on countries to step up Covid-19 vaccine production, ensure equitable and timely access to vaccines to better proceed with their recovery plans.

Vietnam has contributed to the 47th session by delivering speeches at 22 discussions on rights to health care, and the rights of the elderly and immigrants amid climate change, gender equality, and extreme poverty reduction following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since 2014, Vietnam and UN member states have introduced annual resolutions on climate change and human rights to the UNHRC for adoption, focusing on the rights of children, immigrants, and women.