Amplifying frontline voices for climate justice and human rights

At UN’s Universal Periodic Review pre-session advocates share stories of working for a more just and sustainable future 

(LWI) — In the Solomon Islands, children wake up to see ancient lands being swallowed by the ocean. In Sierra Leone, women demand to be included in the vital work of building peace and climate resilience. In Namibia, climate advocates call for a just energy transition that brings benefits to vulnerable communities.

At a recent pre-session of the United Nation’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), human rights defenders working on environmental and climate justice in these and other countries shared their stories with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and partners including Franciscans International and FIAN International.

The informal dialogue on 13 February created a space to amplify frontline voices and deepen understanding of the realities faced by communities living with the impacts of climate change. Participants representing faith-based and other civil society organizations shared their needs, and priorities, helping partners identify meaningful ways to support their advocacy work at both national and international levels.