National Inquiry on Climate Change

 In 2015, the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines was petitioned to conduct an inquiry on the impact of climate change on the human rights of the Filipino people and the role therein of the so-called  “Carbon Majors.” The claim was that climate change was adversely impacting human rights  and the top oil producers of the world were contributing, and knowingly continue to contribute, to this phenomenon. 

The findings and recommendations in the report are informed by science and governance experts and may be considered by political and executive branches of government, as well as by courts, wherever they might be deemed relevant. 

The Inquiry sought to identify or elaborate on basic rights and duties relative to climate change, as well as amplify standards for corporate behavior. 

The Commission demonstrated, as well, a model, albeit seminal, for the broadening of NHRI mechanisms and processes for providing access to justice, especially in regard to grave human rights challenges with transboundary character and extra-territorial obligations.