This year’s theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” underscores the urgency of addressing climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The SAHRC recognises that a healthy environment is not only foundational to human survival, but also central to the realisation of numerous other rights, including the rights to health, water, food, and dignity.
South Africa continues to face climate-related challenges, including persistent droughts, coastal erosion, and severe flooding that disproportionately affect vulnerable and marginalised communities. According to Inequality and growth impacts of climate change—insights from South Africa, climate change not only increases inequality, but increased inequality exacerbates many of the climate change-induced impacts on society through increased exposure and vulnerability.
In response, the SAHRC has prioritised climate justice as a strategic focus area. Under this commitment, the Commission, guided by the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013, has established a Committee of external advisory experts (‘Section 11 Committee’) on Climate Justice, bringing together a broad range of experts, activists and affected persons to support the SAHRC’s work in ensuring a rights-based approach to environmental governance. Through its direct engagement with communities, particularly in coastal and flood-prone areas, the Commission has documented the lived experiences of those whose rights are being undermined by environmental mismanagement and climate impacts.
The Commission has hosted national and provincial dialogues, engaged with small-scale fishing communities, participated in regional and international forums ensuring that the voices of affected communities are central in shaping climate policies.
The SAHRC is investing on upskilling of staff to enhance their expertise on environmental and climate-related issues to ensure that it is able to adequately hold duty bearers to uphold their constitutional and legal obligations to protect the environment and promote human rights. In addition, the Commission will intensify partnerships and collaborations to amplify the call for international climate justice both locally and at international forums.
As we observe WED, the SAHRC underscores the indivisibility of environmental rights from human dignity and equality. The Commission remains committed to ensuring that environmental justice becomes a lived reality for all, particularly those whose voices are too often unheard.
Ends
Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Wisani Baloyi – Acting Communications Coordinator Tel: 081 016 8308 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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