REDESCA: Human Rights and Climate Justice in the COP29 Agreements

December 2, 2024

Washington, D.C. – Within the framework of the agreements reached during the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Special Rapporteurship on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) underscores the need to implement these commitments effectively, adopting a human rights-based approach and emphasizing climate justice. This approach must ensure the inclusion of the most vulnerable communities and promote active civil society participation at all stages of climate action.

REDESCA highlights that among the main agreements reached at COP29 are the increase in annual climate financing from developed countries, rising from $100 billion to $300 billion by 2035, and the commitment to mobilize up to $1.3 trillion annually by the same year, sourced from both public and private funds. Significant progress was also made in key areas such as regulating carbon markets, reducing global emissions, increasing transparency in climate reporting, and supporting developing countries in implementing their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). However, REDESCA notes that several developing countries have deemed the resources pledged insufficient to effectively address the challenges of the climate crisis. Additionally, REDESCA underscores the concerns raised about the risks of carbon markets if they are not implemented under strict human rights and transparency standards.

REDESCA reiterates the urgency for states to adopt measures that acknowledge and address the inequalities in climate change impacts, both among and within countries. These actions must prioritize frontline communities and vulnerable groups, ensuring a justice-based approach to climate action. It also emphasizes that climate financing must be adequate, mobilizing the maximum available resources, and managed in a manner that respects and protects human rights. This entails guaranteeing that mitigation and adaptation strategies are inclusive, equitable, and respectful of everyone's rights. Furthermore, solutions must be culturally appropriate and socially just, promoting sustainable development that benefits the most affected communities.

In this context, while reiterating the need to mobilize additional resources to meet climate financing goals, REDESCA emphasizes that solutions must not exacerbate the financial burdens of developing countries, which already face significant challenges in maintaining economic stability while addressing the climate crisis. It is essential to recognize the historical responsibility of countries with the highest greenhouse gas emissions and the vulnerability of regions that, despite contributing minimally to climate change, disproportionately suffer its impacts. In this regard, developed countries must foster international cooperation to ensure that developing nations, including those in the Caribbean, can effectively confront this global crisis.

The upcoming summit in Belém, represents a strategic opportunity to consolidate the progress achieved at COP29 and strengthen states' commitments to fulfilling their climate obligations. This event should serve as a platform to prioritize the implementation of concrete actions that integrate principles of climate justice and human rights, addressing the needs of the most vulnerable communities. Additionally, it will be key to advancing international cooperation, ensuring adequate resources, and establishing transparent accountability mechanisms to ensure that the commitments made effectively benefit those facing the most severe impacts of the climate crisis.

The Special Rapporteurship on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights is an office established by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to enhance the promotion and protection of economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights throughout the Americas, leading the Commission's efforts in these areas.

No. RD301/24

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