Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged governments and climate advocates to prioritize human rights and ambitious climate action at the upcoming UN climate talks in Bonn in 2023. According to HRW, governments must commit to a complete phaseout of all fossil fuels at COP28 to uphold their human rights obligations.
Furthermore, HRW has emphasized the importance of civil society being able to freely demand climate action before, during, and after COP28, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the host must ensure this. The inclusion of an explicit reference to all fossil fuels in the COP28 outcome document would be a significant step forward in international climate negotiations, according to HRW.
However, HRW has raised concerns about meaningful participation by independent members of civil society at COP28 due to the UAE’s repression of civil society. Despite these concerns, the UN climate summit in Dubai aims to bridge the gap between global emissions commitments and the Paris Agreement’s climate goals. COP28 represents a crucial opportunity to limit warming to the ambitious Paris target of 1.5°C above preindustrial levels by 2100.
The first-ever “Global Stocktake” on the Paris Agreement at the summit will assess the progress made in limiting global warming. Despite the challenges, the UAE presidency is committed to keeping the 1.5°C goal in play. In addition, the fossil fuel industry must be engaged in any climate change solutions to ensure their cooperation and support.
The upcoming COP28 presents an opportunity for governments and civil society to prioritize human rights and ambitious climate action. The inclusion of a complete phaseout of all fossil fuels in the COP28 outcome document, as well as meaningful participation by independent civil society members, will be crucial in achieving the Paris Agreement’s climate goals.
