The panel discussed the relationship between climate change and the rights of the child and was followed by a discussion which included input from States, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders. Ha Kim Ngoc, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, highlighted that combatting the effects of climate change was linked to the enjoyment of human rights, particularly stressing the need for environmental policies that address and protect children’s rights.

Children, women and young people were repeatedly identified as those most vulnerable to effects of climate change, with many speakers calling for the inclusion of a gender dimension in policy deliberations on climate change. Several participants added that climate change immediately jeopardised children’s right to health, food, drinking water and education, and many encouraged a more participatory approach to the fight against climate change. Education was noted as being critical in preparing children for the future and in making them environmentally aware.

Finally, Kirsten Sandberg of the Committee on the Rights of the Child called upon States to report to the Committee on the actions they had taken to mitigate and adapt to climate change, adding that there was a need for more civil society reports questioning State actions related to climate change and accountability for businesses. Sandberg added that the most affected children should not merely be seen as vulnerable, but also as potential actors for change.

You can read CRIN’s submission on the link between children's rights and climate change here.