NIHRC release new podcast episode on climate change and human rights

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has today launched the second episode of its new podcast series ‘Shared Goals’. This episode explores the topic of climate change and human rights and features an interview with Dr Ian Fry, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change.

Mr. Fry is an international environmental law and policy expert and has previously worked for the Tuvalu government for 21 years including as the Ambassador for Climate Change and Environment. He was appointed as the first UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change by the United Nations General Assembly in May 2022.

Climate change is one of the biggest threats to human rights, posing a serious risk to the fundamental rights to life, health, food, housing, water and sanitation, cultural life, education and work. In 2022, the UN General Assembly declared the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a universal human right.

During the interview, Mr Fry discusses the link between climate change and human rights, and the impact it is having on rights around the world - including observations from his recent country visit to Bangladesh. He also reflects on climate justice issues; displacement of people due to climate change; and the progress and challenges of climate action.

Alyson Kilpatrick, Chief Commissioner of NIHRC, said:

“We are delighted to have Ian Fry on the podcast and discuss the topic of climate change and human rights. Climate change has had and will continue to have negative impacts on a wide range of rights. We are grateful to Mr. Fry for joining us and sharing his expertise on this important topic.”

Dr Ian Fry, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, said:

“The human rights implications of climate change are undoubtedly the greatest challenge facing humanity today. Even for a place like Northern Ireland, climate change will affect the lives of everyone, whether it be cost of food, energy or more severe weather events. People in the most effected part of the world are migrating from the impacts of climate change. This global migration movement of climate change “refugees” will only grow and create significant security tensions around the world.”

To listen to the podcast click here, listen below or search for ‘Shared Goals’ wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This episode is hosted by Commission staff Julia Buchanan and Lisa Wilson, and edited by Jason McKeown.

For more information on climate change and human rights in Northern Ireland, you can read more at this link to our Annual Statement: Publication - Annual Statement 2022 | Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (nihrc.org)