On the occasion of the 56^th Human Rights Council Session, where traditionally the annual climate change resolution is being discussed and the annual panel discussion focusing on “livelihood resilience in the context of the risk of loss and damage relating to the adverse effects of climate change” is scheduled, FES together with its partners organized a side-event to address the question of where human rights are in the discussion on climate change and human mobility.

Based on previous and ongoing work of FES and the co-organisers, panellists discussed questions around the impact of trying to define migration as a form of adaptation, the significance of defining the “forced” and “voluntary” nature of movements, as well as the links between internal and cross-border movements and the extent to which human rights have been effectively incorporated in recent institutional responses - within the UNFCCC framework, as well as in relevant policies at national/regional level. This included a look at the potential of UN human rights mechanisms to strengthen rights-based policies, as well as the question of transparency and meaningful participation of affected communities and civil society to these processes and fora.

Speakers

Lukmon Akintola, Global Center for Climate Mobility & Member African Non-State Actors Platform

Shakirul Islam, OKUP Bangladesh & Climate, Migration and Displacement Platform Steering Group Member

Eva Tecun, Movimiento de mujeres indígenas Tz´ ununija, Guatemala

Elisa Morgera, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change

Opening Remarks: Renate Tenbusch, Director FES Geneva Office

Moderator: Christian Wolff, ACT Alliance