Summary

The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change carried out a visit to the Philippines from 6 to 15 November 2023, at the invitation of the Government. During the 10-day visit, the Special Rapporteur met with various government officials, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations and Indigenous Peoples’ organizations and communities. He visited Metro Manila (including Valenzuela); Leyte (Tacloban, Abuyog and Baybay); and Iloilo (including Calinog). The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the impacts of climate change, and this has significant implications on the enjoyment of human rights in the country. The visit focused on loss and damage, climate change displacement, climate change mitigation, climate change legislation, litigation and intergenerational justice, the treatment of environmental human rights defenders, and gender equality. The Special Rapporteur, in his conclusions, noted that while the Government has produced many policies and laws relating to climate change, there is a distinct lack of implementation on the ground. He further noted that the development agenda, including the development of mines, hydroelectric dams and land reclamation projects, contradicts the highly fragile nature of the country. The Special Rapporteur was deeply troubled by the treatment of environmental human rights defenders, particularly Indigenous Peoples. He made numerous recommendations, including in relation to legislation and policies, development projects, climate change displacement, and the treatment of environmental human rights defenders.

The visit was undertaken by the former mandate holder, Ian Fry. As he resigned on 7 December 2023 with immediate effect, the report is submitted by the current mandate holder, Elisa Morgera.