The impact of loss and damage from the adverse effects of climate change on human rights

The Human Rights Council has recognized the importance for all countries of averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, including extreme weather events and slow-onset events. The Council has, among other things, called upon States to enhance international cooperation and reiterated the urgency of scaling up action, in particular in financing, the transfer of technology and capacity-building, for mitigation and adaptation measures and to assist developing countries in averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage, especially those that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

Secretary-General’s analytical study on loss and damage

Human Rights Council resolution 53/6 of 7 July 2023 (A/HRC/RES/53/6) entitled “Human rights and climate change” requested the Secretary-General to consult Member States and other relevant stakeholders in order to conduct and submit to the fifty-seventh session of the Human Rights Council an analytical study on the impact of loss and damage from the adverse effects of climate change on the full enjoyment of human rights, exploring equity-based approaches and solutions to addressing the same.

To inform the analytical study, OHCHR transmitted a Note Verbale and Questionnaire (English / Français) to Member States, NGOs, UN Agencies, IGOs, Academic Institutions and NHRIs, inviting them to respond to the questionnaire and provide input. The inputs received will be available on the Call for Inputs page.