The United Arab Emirates presented a coordinated joint statement on UAE climate change and human rights on behalf of 69 nations during the 56th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva. The statement addressed how the accelerating effects of climate change threaten core human rights protections around the world.
Khalifa Almazrouei, Counsellor at the UAE mission in Geneva, delivered the statement, noting that climate change "is universal and cuts across the existing economic structures." His remarks underscored the broad coalition of nations aligned behind the UAE's climate-justice position.
Human Rights at the Centre of Climate Policy
Almazrouei stressed that the disproportionate burden of climate change falls on the most vulnerable populations — those living in poverty, in inadequate housing, and in occupations such as outdoor labour and fishing that expose workers directly to worsening environmental conditions. He argued that durable solutions require placing human rights at the core of every climate policy response.
The joint statement called on all member states to mainstream human rights, uphold them, and enforce them in areas related to climate change policies and programmes. It affirmed that climate justice is inseparable from sustainable development, and that strengthening nations' capacity to cope with climate impacts is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
COP28 Loss and Damage Commitments Celebrated
The statement also celebrated the historic decision taken at COP27 to establish the loss and damage fund — a new, dedicated financial mechanism separate from existing climate finance channels. It further praised the outcomes of the UAE's Presidency of COP28, during which pledges exceeding USD 600 million were secured for the fund.
Beyond the fund itself, the statement highlighted the urgent need to improve implementation of the broader climate change regime, with a specific focus on adaptation, risk reduction, and loss-and-damage provisions for developing nations.
Continued Collaboration Toward Climate Justice
Almazrouei concluded by reaffirming that all 69 represented nations would continue to collaborate with partners to advance climate justice and worldwide sustainable development. The UAE's leadership at both the Human Rights Council and COP28 reflects its sustained diplomatic push to ensure that the human cost of climate change remains central to international negotiations.
