UN rep briefed on PH climate program

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Manalo has presented to the United Nations (UN) special rapporteur on human rights the Marcos administration's rights-based climate change mitigation programs.

Manalo and other government officials welcomed Dr. Ian Fry, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, as he embarked on a 10-day official visit, which will end on November 15.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Manalo «underscored the priority that the Philippines attaches to climate action under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.»

Manalo also cited the Philippine leadership in championing climate justice, disaster risk resilience and climate adaptation, including through its participation in the advisory opinion proceedings by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the International Court of Justice and the hosting of the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference in 2024.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed hope that Fry would be able to appreciate the Philippine government's achievements and best practices in promoting and protecting human rights in the context of climate change.

UN Special Rapporteurs are independent experts, the DFA said. They are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to study and address various human rights issues, as well as provide advice and support to UN member states.

Fry's visit will take him across the country, including Manila, Valenzuela City, Leyte and Iloilo City, to hold dialogues with local government officials, the local community and civil society groups.

His work includes advocating for a new protocol to protect persons displaced as a result of climate change.

He is also involved in «reforming financing mechanisms to support mitigation and adaptation programs in countries least responsible for, but most vulnerable to the impact of climate change,» the DFA said.

Fry was appointed as the first Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change in March 2022, and this is his third country visit after Bangladesh