Recommitting to the Fundamental Principles of Climate Action and Human Rights
By Kristina Rodriguez
The Human Rights Defenders Forum at The Carter Center, first convened by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 2003, this year brought together human rights defenders, experts, and policymakers to foster a dynamic, solutions-oriented environment where ideas transform into impact. As the U.S. Ambassador of SHE Changes Climate at the Forum, I was privileged to engage with an inspiring assembly of global Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), advocates, leaders, and change-makers dedicated to working against democratic backsliding and the rise of authoritarian regimes. Through its entirety, we were encouraged to transcend borders, ideologies, and limitations to establish a unified vision for a more just future.
Throughout the Forum, thought leadership was encouraged to promote resilience, well-being, and action planning while also providing technical support globally. The theme of “Unchanging Principles for a Changing Time” challenged us to reflect on the evolution of human rights and to recommit to the fundamental principles of justice and dignity in an ever-changing world.
One of the most compelling themes of the forum was the undeniable link between climate change and human rights. Climate change exacerbates existing inequalities and disproportionately affects marginalized groups, including women and indigenous peoples. Various speakers, including Jade Begay, Colette Pichon Battle, Pat Mitchell and Thais Corral, eloquently highlighted this intersection, sharing firsthand accounts of climate-related human rights challenges in their regions. Ronda Carnegie and Elizabeth Sheehan shared stories that underscored the importance of incorporating a human rights perspective into climate policies and actions.
On the third and final day of the Forum, the climate crisis and the intersection of women’s rights were recognized to facilitate meaningful dialogues that not only highlighted the complexities of these challenges but also paved the way for identifying targeted strategies for intervention and solutions, emphasizing the cross-cutting threats posed by the climate crisis and the need for focusing on elevating women’s leadership in policy making and peacemaking. Mary Robinson—former President of Ireland, and Project Dandelion Co-Founder, a woman-led global campaign for climate justice—provided the closing remarks at the end of the Forum to call on women of the world to unite in action for a climate safe world.
Under this theme, the following insights were highlighted:
Rights Impacted by Climate & Environmental Challenges
Specifically the measures of rights impacted by both climate and environmental challenges: the environmental and climate crises pose significant threats to such fundamental human rights as the right to health, the right to life, liberty, and security, and the right to access clean water and other resources.
The climate crisis is accompanied by environmental degradation such as the loss of biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources essential for human survival.
Environmental, Land, & Indigenous Peoples Rights
HRDs working to safeguard the environment, natural resources, and indigenous rights confront numerous challenges. Indigenous and local communities directly feel the impacts of climate.
Threats to climate and environmental rights defenders are particularly dire for Indigenous leaders and women, who are disproportionately targeted due to their prominent roles in defending their communities and natural resources. Indigenous activists often contend with additional layers of discrimination and marginalization, while women face gender-specific threats, including sexual violence and harassment.
Climate-Induced Migration, Displacement, and the Risk of Militarization
Climate-induced migration and displacement present multifaceted challenges, affecting individuals and communities forced to leave their homes due to climate change.
We engaged in a deep-dive conversation on the term “climate refugees”, migration and displacement causing a complex of legal, social, and economic challenges significantly impacting individuals and communities.
Climate & Environmental Justice: Solutions and support to Human Rights Defenders
Resource Mobilization & Grants: These are essential tools in the fight against climate change. This workshop explored the current funding landscape and we discussed strategies to best ensure deploying funds to HRDs. Explored how to effectively secure funding for climate and environmental justice work in a sustainable, intentional manner. Understanding the landscape and how to increase funding to women and indigenous groups.
Leadership & Mentorship: In this session, we explored how effective leadership can drive transformative change, promote equity and justice, and build a more sustainable and resilient future in the face of the planetary crisis.
Capacity-Building & Resilience: The essential tools in the campaign towards reducing climate injustices. We explored the current capacities and skills landscape.
The discussions reaffirmed that empowering women not only fosters gender equality but also leads to more sustainable and equitable environmental outcomes, and the forum was a powerful reminder of the strength found in solidarity and collaboration.
Over 60 HRDS from diverse backgrounds and sectors from 42 countries came together, united by a common goal of defending human rights and addressing climate change. The spirit of collaboration was palpable, with participants actively exchanging ideas, strategies, and resources. This collective energy reinforced the idea that we are stronger together, and that global challenges require united, inclusive efforts.
In 2024, The Carter Center also launched a scoping to establish the SheRise (Women’s Resilience in Environmental Stewardship and Empowerment) program, which is aimed specifically at supporting women environmental rights defenders to engage the most marginalized women community members and give voice to women and girls negatively impacted by the climate crisis, in alignment with the goal of a just and inclusive transition away from fossil fuels.
SheRise will be a multiyear program aimed at increasing women environmental rights defenders' ability to lead in the fight against climate change and identifying localized solutions that can eventually be scaled. The anticipated activities will effectively engage women human rights defenders in select African contexts to participate in climate action in their communities through strengthening capacity and increasing resilience, resources and protection. The Carter Center is currently conducting scoping activities and seeking funding and implementation partners.
The insights gained and connections made will inform our ongoing efforts at SHE Changes Climate to champion gender-responsive climate policies and actions. We will continue to push for greater representation of women in climate leadership, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions recognized.
The Human Rights Defenders Forum was a testament to the power of collective action and the critical importance of intersectionality in addressing global challenges. It reaffirmed that defending human rights and tackling climate change are inextricably linked, and that inclusive, equitable solutions are key to a sustainable future. As we move forward, let us carry the lessons and spirit of the forum with us, striving to create a world where both people and the planet can thrive.
Panel Discussion at the Forum
Image by Michael A. Schwartz
Susan Marx, Director of the Human Rights Program at The Carter Centre
Image by Michael A. Schwartz
About The Author
Kristina Rodriguez is an Environmental Policy Analysis Student Representative at the Yale School of the Environment, a Co-President at Yale Environmental Women, and a Board Member of the Women in Science at Yale. She has been an active member of the SHE Changes Climate network since 2023.