UN Human Rights Council 47: Panel discussion on the adverse impact of climate change
This statement was delivered during the panel discussion on the adverse impacts of climate change on the effective enjoyment of the rights of older persons and the promotion and protection of their rights through age-inclusive climate action.
The Human Rights Council takes place in Geneva, Switzerland.
Thank you, Madam President.
The United Kingdom thanks the distinguished panellists for their presentations.
We recognise the importance of this discussion: older persons are disproportionately impacted by climate change. They may be more severely impacted by climate related disasters or have less capacity to diversify their livelihoods. These vulnerabilities are exacerbated further by existing barriers in accessing healthcare and safe water, sanitation and hygiene services, social protection and disaster relief.
Climate action must be inclusive of older persons. This means ensuring that information and services are accessible, challenging social norms that create barriers to access, and disaggregating data by gender, age and disability. Older persons must be involved in climate action at all levels.
The UK is committed to championing inclusivity throughout our Presidency of COP26 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. We will actively engage with people of all ages to ensure they and their representative organisations can fully participate in the event. We will amplify their voices and harness their innovation and commitment.
We would like to ask the panellists, what measures can States take to overcome the attitudinal and environmental barriers that may impact the meaningful participation of older persons in climate change policy?
Thank you.