Responsible nations must assist the affected
The global community must operationalise the principle of equity to find durable solutions to climate change and develop effective partnership between climate change and human rights communities, said Foreign Minister Dipu Moni.
In this context, she referred to the case of climate injustice as the most affected countries were historically not responsible for climate change.
She was addressing a seminar on “Addressing the impacts of climate change on full enjoyment of human rights” in Geneva on Friday.
At the seminar, Dipu Moni brought out the case of disproportionate focus on violent conflict over rapid or slow onset of natural disasters, in spite of manifold impacts.
She asked the historically responsible countries to repay their climate debt by providing financial support and technology to the affected countries for adapting to the damaging effects of climate change.
She also encouraged the developing countries, which are significant emitters, to voluntarily assist the affected countries.
She urged the human rights community to follow the climate change programmes and monitor their impact on enjoyment of human rights and human development.
The seminar was jointly organised by Bangladesh and Philippines with the support of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Navy Pillay.
He along with Commissioner for Climate Change for the Philippines Mary Ann Sering also attended the seminar.
Afterwards, Dipu Moni met her Sri Lankan counterpart Gamini Laksman Peiris and discussed issues of mutual concern.
Later in the day, Dipu Moni addressed the Conference on Disarmament, where she emphasised the need to discuss the disarmament agenda at the same footing as the economic, social or the environmental agenda, as they are all inter-dependent.
She also viewed that the total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only absolute guarantee for a peaceful and secure world.
The foreign minister also met World Health Organisation Director General Dr Margaret Chan and discussed issues of international cooperation to face global health challenges.
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