Annual Panel on Adverse Impacts of Climate Change. NB8 Lithuania. (3.07.2023)

53rd Session of the Human Rights Council

Annual Panel on Adverse Impacts of Climate Change

Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8)

3 July 2023

Thank you, Mr. President.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries -Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.

We thank the High Commissioner and distinguished panellists for providing valuable insight on the negative impact of climate change on the right to food, especially on its physical and economical accessibility, availability, adequacy, and sustainability, as well as on how we should respond to these challenges.

Climate change continues to increase pressure on food production, particularly in already vulnerable regions. Climate-induced disasters and wars reduce food availability and quality, impact food prices, especially harming persons in vulnerable situations. People at the frontline of climate change, including women, children, and Indigenous Peoples, are especially at risk.

Furthermore, in many parts of the world, farmers and agricultural workers increasingly face highly unfavourable conditions ranging from conflicts and weather shocks, such as desertification in dry areas, floodings, and salinization in low-lying coastal areas.

Distinguished panellists,

How would you recommend to increase the participation of vulnerable groups, including women, youth and Indigenous Peoples in transforming food systems to promote everyone‘s full realization of the right to food and build climate resilience?

I thank you.