CCC Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of United Nations and International Organizations Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa T. Almojuela, and UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Climate Change Dr. Ian Fry at the Entry Conference Programme for Dr. Fry’s official visit to the Philippines

MANILA, 9 November 2023 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored the need to actively address both climate change and human rights, recognizing the interconnectedness of these challenges.

In the Entry Conference Programme for Dr. Ian Fry, UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Climate Change, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, highlighted the crucial interconnection between climate change and human rights, emphasizing that these two essential governance areas are not mutually exclusive. 

Borje, who chaired the meeting, stated, "To achieve climate justice, it needs to be acting on and for both, certainly not an 'either-or' proposition."

The discussions delved into the global, historic and systemic aspects of climate change and human rights issues, aiming to find innovative solutions rooted in the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDRRC) and climate justice.

During the conference, Borje emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to a holistic governance model that integrates human rights into climate action.

“The Philippines is a democracy under the rule of law, and under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., human rights and climate change are recognized priorities, including their nexus. Advancing support for and strengthening of the nexus under the ambit of the UN is both an object and policy instrument of the Philippines in pursuit of global consensus and action on climate change and human rights,” he said.

Borje highlighted the collaboration of various government agencies in adopting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to address climate change and uphold human rights. He also stressed the importance of localizing climate science, supporting vulnerable communities, and ensuring intergenerational justice and equity.

In closing, Borje stated, "Working together, it is our hope and commitment that we will be able to make inroads and generate progress towards transformational climate action that is founded strongly and deeply on upholding human rights."

Meanwhile, Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of United Nations and International Organizations (DFA-UNIO) Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa T. Almojuela emphasized the practical and concrete approach the Philippines has taken, focusing on real-time, empowering climate action. 

Acknowledging the significant role of Dr. Ian Fry, she stated, "We look forward to an interactive exercise, in this meeting and in Dr. Fry’s program for this week, to expand understanding of how climate change impacts the rights of the Filipino people, our policy framework, and our multi-stakeholder approach." 

The Entry Conference Programme marks the beginning of the 10-day official country visit of Dr. Ian Fry in the Philippines. This will serve as an opportunity for the country to champion the climate change-human rights nexus, paving the way for innovative solutions and collaborative actions on a global scale.

Relevant government agencies attended the entry conference. Lead discussants for respective thematic areas were Department of Environment and Natural Resources (Loss and Damage); Department of Social Welfare and Development (Climate Change Displacement); Department of Justice (Litigation and Intergenerational Justice); National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (Protection of Environmental Human Rights Defenders); and Philippine Commission on Women (Gender).

Present also were National Economic and Development Authority; Department of Finance; Department of Agriculture; Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration; Department of National Defense - Office of Civil Defense; Department of Health; Department of the Interior and Local Government; Council for the Welfare of Children; National Commission of Senior Citizens; National Youth Commission; National Council on Disability Affairs; Supreme Court - Office of the Court Administrator; Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat; Presidential Communications Office; and Presidential Management Staff.

For more information about the CCC’s mainstreaming activities, visit the website of the CCC at https://climate.gov.ph.