UN Human Rights Council 56th session
High-Level informal Presidential discussion
“The link between Climate Change, food security and health security, and their impact on the enjoyment of human rights”
Intervention by the Nordic Baltic-states delivered by H.E. Darius Staniulis
Permanent Representative of Lithuania.
Room XX at Palais des Nations, Geneva
20 June 2024
Mr. President,
I am honoured to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Lithuania.
I would like to begin by thanking you, Mr. President, for organizing this important discussion during the Human Rights Council session, focusing on the intersectionality of climate change, food security, health security, and human rights.
Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a fundamental threat to human rights. It exacerbates global hunger and malnutrition, impacting over 333 million people facing acute food insecurity. In the last twelve months, we have seen record levels of ocean heat, sea level rise, glacier retreat, and wildfires. Intense rainfall, floods, and tropical cyclones have left a trail of destruction, death, and huge economic losses. Our planet is at breaking point.
These alarming realities underscore the urgent need for integrated solutions. Only with concerted, rapid, and comprehensive action, we can still avert the most devastating consequences of climate change.
The Nordic Baltic states are committed to addressing these interlinked challenges through a human rights-based approach. We emphasize the importance of integrating climate resilience into food and health systems, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare.
With the triple planetary crisis hitting persons in the most vulnerable situations the hardest, climate action must be inclusive, ensuring the participation of all stakeholders, particularly those who are disproportionately affected, including women, children, Indigenous Peoples, and LGBTQ+ persons. We must uphold the principles of justice and equity, ensuring that climate policies do not exacerbate existing inequalities but rather promote the full enjoyment of human rights for all.
In conclusion, addressing climate change, food security, and health security is imperative for safeguarding human rights. The Nordic Baltic states reaffirm our commitment to this cause and call on the international community to intensify efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts, ensuring a sustainable future.
I thank you.