Why is it in the news?

• Recently, the UN rights chief stated that climate change is already causing human rights emergencies in various countries.

Some of the key takeaways

• Climate change is pushing millions into famine, destroying livelihoods, homes, and lives, with urgent warnings becoming deadly realities globally.
• Emphasized the need to hold those responsible for environmental damage accountable and combat impunity.
• Mentioned the dire environmental conditions in Basra, Iraq, with drought, extreme heat, pollution, and water scarcity leading to barren landscapes.
• The G-20 failed to commit to a fossil fuel phase-out, which are desperately needed.
• The increasing impact of climate change is causing a surge in migrant deaths, with many going unnoticed.
  • Cited specific incidents of migrant deaths in various regions, including the Mediterranean, English Channel, Bay of Bengal, Caribbean, U.S.-Mexican border, and Saudi border.
• Expressed concerns about human rights violations in Russia, Pakistan, the Palestinian territory, and raised ongoing issues in China, particularly in Xinjiang.
  • Called for strong remedial action by Chinese authorities regarding the Xinjiang situation and highlighted the continued detention of human rights advocates.
• Mentioned concerns about the situation in Iran, including harsher penalties for breaching dress codes and the deployment of morality police.
• Stressed the role of climate change in various human rights situations, including in Africa’s Sahel region.
• Welcomed the proposal to recognize “ecocide” as an international crime to counter environmental plunder.