FEATURED PROJECTS AND EVENTS
The Climate Action and Human Rights Institute translates its principles into action through diverse projects and events, in collaboration with stakeholders of shared advocacies.
Check out our projects below!
21st Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights - Online Training
CAHRI's first project since establishment, in partnership with the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), was a fully-funded online training which discusses the various dimensions of climate change and climate action in connection with human rights.
Click the picture above to learn more about the project, or check it out in "Our Work."
Meeting with Leigh Day lawyers
22 November 2023 — The Climate Action and Human Rights Institute met with Joe Snape and Alice Grist of Leigh Day, a United Kingdom-based Law Firm. They discussed how the findings of the National Inquiry on Climate Change by the Fifth Commission of the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines may be utilized to support climate litigation. CAHRI and Leigh Day also discussed the twin issues of legal causation and scientific attribution involved in climate change cases. The meeting concluded with an agreement on how they may collaborate on climate action initiatives.
Connecting with UN Special Rapporteur, Dr. Ian Fry
7 November 2023 — The Climate Action and Human Rights Institute met with Dr. Ian Fry, the United Nations Special Rapporteur focused on human rights in the context of climate change. Dr. Fry's visit was part of his broader mission to engage with various stakeholders in the country, including government officials, local government executives, community groups, and civil society organizations.
The agenda covered critical issues including Loss and Damage, the development and enforcement of climate-related laws, climate litigation, and the challenges faced by environmental human rights defenders.
The insights and perspectives gathered during these discussions are expected to contribute substantially to the Special Rapporteur’s comprehensive report, which will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2024.
Included in the photo are representatives from Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP), Greenpeace Philippines, Save the Children Philippines, Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center, Oceana Philippines, IBON Foundation, and Human Rights Watch Philippines.
COPehan: A Philippine Conversation on COP 28
10 October 2023 — The Ecojesuit's Environmental Science for Social Change invited the Climate Action and Human Rights Institute, along with other civil society organizations (CSOs), to a "kapehan" session. In this session, representatives from various groups discussed their current activities in preparation for the upcoming COP28. Participants included the Climate Change Commission of the Philippines, Aksyon Klima Philippines, Forest Foundation Philippines, the Institute of Social Order, Greenpeace Philippines, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, JRS Asia Pacific, the Misereor Partnership Inc., Rappler, Youth Advocates for Climate Action (YACAP) Philippines, and the University of the Philippines' Population Institute.
Fr. Pedro Walpole highlighted the diverse discussions and varied strategies in addressing climate change and its related challenges. He underscored the importance of solidarity among the CSOs in combating the climate crisis, advocating for the marginalized groups most impacted by climate disasters, and empowering communities to understand and engage in climate action and adaptation strategies.
Learn more about the event from the event organizer, ESSC, here:
https://essc.org.ph/content/archives/12088/
CSO Consultation on the UN LOIPR with NEDA
28 July 2023 — CAHRI recently participated in a CSO Consultation Workshop organized by the National Economic Development Authority to contribute to the preparation of the Philippine government’s response to the United Nations (UN) List of Issues Prior to Reporting (LOIPR). This list relates to the Philippines' 7th Periodic Report to the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
Within the LOIPR, a spectrum of issues connected to climate change and Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR) has been identified. Specifically, the UN is seeking more detailed information on the measures the Philippine government is taking to mitigate climate change, particularly the measures aligning with the country's Nationally-Determined Contributions and the Paris Agreement.
Furthermore, the LOIPR has requested information on how the State evaluates the impacts of climate change on the enjoyment of ESCR, especially for marginalized and disadvantaged individuals and groups. It also probes whether the State has developed or plans to develop a national adaptation plan, properly resourced to address climate change's effects on ESCR.
Included in the LOIPR is a request for details about the steps taken to enhance preparedness and response to natural disasters, along with disaster risk reduction measures. The allocation of adequate financial resources for these strategies is also being examined.
The institutions responsible for the development and implementation of climate change adaptation measures for slow-onset climate impacts, particularly in areas like agriculture, housing, and health, have been asked to provide details about their operations and how they coordinate with other institutions responsible for disaster preparedness and management.
On 31 October 2021, the Philippines submitted its 7th Periodic Report, which was subsequently published in the UN Human Rights Treaty Body Database on 12 January 2023. The UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR), which oversees the compliance of State Parties with human rights obligations, reviewed the report and generated a list of issues (the LOIPR) seeking clarification. The Philippines is now mandated to respond to the LOIPR by 27 October 2023.
Writeshop for a Sub-Zero Draft of the Regional Framework on Environmental Rights in the ASEAN
14-15 February 2023 — The Commission on Human Rights organized a multi-stakeholder Writeshop in line with the regional initiative of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) to create a "Regional Framework on Environmental Rights in the ASEAN." This is organized with the support of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions and the European Union.
The Writeshop was able to bring to light human rights concerns affecting vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalized groups; assess the Philippines' current environmental rights commitments on a national and international level; determine the maximum and minimum positions as well as the negotiables and non-negotiables; and consolidate recommended formulations of the provisions in the Framework.
Monitoring the Human Rights Situation of Vulnerable Sectors in Cagayan
28 September 2023 — The Commission of Human Rights (CHR), in collaboration with the Climate Action and Human Rights Institute and Greenpeace Philippines, hosted an event in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, titled "Monitoring the Human Rights Situation of the Vulnerable and Marginalized Sectors in the Context of Climate Change: Mainstreaming the Nexus of Climate Change, the Environment, and Human Rights".
The program commenced with a message from the Chairperson of CHR, Richard P. Palpal-latoc, delivered by Atty. Ronald Fantone on his behalf. Following this, the Regional Director of CHR's Region II field office outlined the commission's mandates, emphasizing the state's obligation to respect, uphold, and fulfill human rights to the LGU officials and CSOs present. Atty. Klarise Fortaleza, the officer-in-charge of CHR's Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Center, elaborated on the human rights-based approaches to addressing climate change. This approach reveals the disparities faced by vulnerable sectors and the present barriers inhibiting the full realization of their human rights. Ms. Virginia Benosa-Llorin recounted the origins of the climate change inquiry and shared stories of those deeply affected by climate-related catastrophes, notably the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. Mr. Jonas Turingan of CAHRI concluded the presentations by sharing the NICC report's key findings and recommendations.
The primary findings were that: (1) climate change is real, (2) it is caused by human activities, (3) climate change affects the attainment and realization of multiple human rights. States bear the principal duty to undertake mitigation and adaptation actions against climate change in order to safeguard their citizens' rights. Additionally, businesses, consistent with international frameworks like UNGP-BHR, UN Global Compact, and OECD Guidelines, bear responsibility for upholding and safeguarding human rights, especially within decarbonization and climate action contexts. Mr. Turingan emphasized the pivotal roles individuals assume, both as consumers and electorates, in propelling national climate initiatives.
In the afternoon, the CHR and CAHRI members facilitated a workshop involving LGUs from the Cagayan region or its vicinity and CSOs. The objectives were to (a) identify current climate disaster-related challenges, (b) understand the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable populations, (c) recognize the government's initiatives in addressing these concerns, (d) underline the human-rights based strategies employed when addressing the needs of vulnerable sectors, and (e) collect suggestions for grassroots-level climate action programs and policies. The program concluded with closing remarks by Atty. Rory Jose D. Valera of CHR Region II.
Presenting the NICC Report to Southern Luzon LGUs
14 September 2023 — CAHRI participated in the policy forum "Climate Reparations: a Climate Change Imperative for the Philippines - A Policy Forum for Southern Luzon Mayors," held in Legazpi City. The forum commenced with a keynote message by Rep. Fernando Cabredo, emphasizing the importance of climate action. Mr. Jonas Turingan, CAHRI Programs Director, presented the National Inquiry on Climate Change Report, highlighting recommendations pertinent to LGU officials present. Dr. Rosa Perez then discussed the concept of Climate Loss and Damage and the reasons why LGUs should be concerned about it. This was followed by a discussion on Climate Justice and The Pathway for Just Energy Transition by Mr. Khevin Yu and the CLIMA Bill by Atty. Ryan Roset. The day concluded with a workshop session that showed existing and future climate action strategies and programs for LGUs.
Mainstreaming the National Inquiry on Climate Change Report
11 September 2023 — The Climate Action and Human Rights Institute and Greenpeace Philippines, in cooperation with the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines, launched a roadshow titled "Mainstreaming the National Inquiry on Climate Change Report" to present and promote the NICC Report in law schools nationwide.
The NICC, while non-binding, plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative around climate change, corporate accountability, and human rights. It is a testament to the evolving landscape of environmental justice and the innovative ways in which legal systems, jurists, lawyers, paralegals, and law students are rising to address the pressing challenges of our time.
This event was hosted by the Ateneo de Naga University.
A Life in Advocacy: Insights from Mr. Jonas Turingan
28 October 2023 — Mr. Jonas Turingan, the Programs Director of CAHRI, participated in one of Ateneo de Manila University's Talakayang Alay sa Bayan (TALAB) events, which are alternative classes aiming to raise students' awareness of the world outside of their academics. Hosted by Ateneo’s AIESEC student organization, the event, titled "SDG ka na ba?" (a play on words with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Filipino colloquial word G, meaning game), showcased individuals who, through various life experiences and inspirations, passionately pursued a life of advocacy. Speakers included AIESEC members Sam Villavicencio and Sabby Arambulo, who have long been active in volunteerism and community service.
Mr. Turingan shared insights into how he discovered his advocacy through various life experiences. From his work in journalism to his involvement in NGOs focusing on electoral, legal, and reform issues, and his contributions to the Commission on Human Rights Philippines — including his participation in drafting and publishing the National Inquiry on Climate Change Report. Mr. Turingan serves as a testament to dedication to being a person for others, fostering one’s advocacy, and building a better tomorrow.
Current Challenges and Common Values
Atty. Cadiz shared his intervention during the first session of the academic conference, titled “Current Challenges and Common Values: Fostering Regional Integration within the ASEAN,” following the presentation of Dr. Maria Isabel Cazorla of the Universidad de Malaga.