How did we get here and where are we going? Climate justice and human rights in Scotland Emma Hutton Communications & Outreach

“ Climate justice links human rights and development to achieve a human-centred approach, safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable and sharing the burdens and benefits of climate change and its resolution equitably and fairly.” The Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice

“Climate change is the defining human development challenge of the 21 st Century. Failure to respond to that challenge will stall and then reverse international efforts to reduce poverty. The poorest countries and most vulnerable citizens will suffer the earliest and most damaging setbacks, even though they have contributed least to the problem.” United Nations Development Programme

Some examples… Right to life Right to adequate food Right to highest attainable standard of health Right to adequate housing Right to safe drinking water & sanitation Most acute consequences felt by disadvantaged people & communities Even adaptation & mitigation can exacerbate inequity and discrimination Human rights impacts

Climate change = key concern for SHRC stakeholders November 2009 International Conference (Glasgow) Joint communique 2010 – 2011 First Minister interest visit to China 2012 Scottish Parliament Motion (cross-party support) £3M Climate Justice Fund 2013 International Conference (Edinburgh) £3M Climate Justice Fund (2) Scotland’s National Action Plan for Human Rights How did we get here?

“The Scottish Parliament strongly endorses the opportunity for Scotland to champion climate justice, which places human rights at the heart of global development, ensuring a fair distribution of responsibilities, and welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring respect for human rights and action to eradicate poverty and inequality, which are at the heart of Scotland’s action to combat climate change both at home and internationally.” Motion passed by Scottish Parliament, March 2012

“The Scottish Government will coordinate action across the public, private and third sectors to champion climate justice at home and abroad.” Scotland’s National Action Plan for Human Rights

Raising awareness of human rights based approach (HRBA) -Conceptual framework -Rights holders and duty bearers -Putting people at the centre of discussions Working Group on Climate Change and Human Rights -Chaired by Scotland -Part of Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions Scotland’s National Action Plan -Human Rights Action Groups -Better World Action Group co-convened by Scottish Government, SHRC & Amnesty International UK Where are we going?