KALIKASAN PEOPLE’S NETWORK FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
& PHILIPPINE UPR WATCH
16 November 2023
Statement on the Findings of the UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change & Human Rights
Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment and Philippine UPR Watch welcome the statement made by UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights Dr. Ian Fry following his 10-day country visit. The various concerns that were flagged after the visit in relation to worsening climate impacts and human rights situation in the country make it clear that the Marcos Jr. administration has little to show for all the president’s posturing as a climate advocate.
In his statement, the Special Rapporteur expressed that he was “deeply troubled” by the treatment of environmental and human rights defenders, in light of the well-documented cases of red-tagging, harassment, abduction, and extrajudicial killings that are faced by environmental defenders in the Philippines. The Special Rapporteur also echoed the longstanding call of environmental and human rights groups to disband the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which has targeted many environmental defenders and advocates across its years of operation and has been “operating with impunity”. Relatedly, he also recommended that the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) be revoked, and that a “truth and reconciliation process” be developed as an accountability mechanism for those wrongfully accused under the ATA. These statements are a reminder for the Marcos Jr. administration that a critical step towards addressing climate change in the Philippines is ensuring that the security and rights of environment and human rights defenders are protected.
On the issue of a just and inclusive transition to renewable energy, the Special Rapporteur also flagged several issues related to programs and projects under the Marcos Jr. administration. Following his visit to Iloilo, he also expressed that it is “critical” for a proper investigation to be done over the Tumandok massacre, in which nine Indigenous leaders were killed by the military in December 2020 due to their opposition to the controversial Jalaur Megadam project. He also endorsed the call of jeepney drivers for more support in light of the PUV Modernization Program being pushed by the government.
The Special Rapporteur also highlighted the issue of reclamation in the country, specifically mentioning how projects like the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan threaten to amplify climate impacts by worsening or altering flooding patterns. Here, he echoed the sentiments of civil society groups and communities regarding the deleterious effects of reclamation and dredging, which have continued in Manila Bay despite the verbal suspension announcement of Marcos Jr. This is captured in his specific recommendation to the Marcos Jr. administration to “enforce a moratorium on all coastal land reclamation projects”.
We likewise support the other recommendations of the Special Rapporteur, such as encouraging the Marcos Jr. administration to take an active role in loss and damage discussions on the international level. With the coming UNFCCC Conference of Parties 28 in Dubai this December, this is a timely reminder for the Philippine government to stand up against rich and powerful countries and demand for adequate and appropriate climate finance for countries most impacted by the climate crisis. We also support the other recommendations of having adequate facilities and plans to monitor the worsening impacts of climate change on the Filipino people.
These conclusions and recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur after his country visit to the Philippines show that the Marcos Jr. administration has a lot to answer for in the face of its systematic violations of human rights in relation to climate change and the environment. As made clear by statements from government institutions like the NTF-ELCAC following the statement of the UN Special Rapporteur, however, the Marcos Jr. administration clearly has no intention of addressing the climate crisis in a holistic manner. This makes it clear that civil society and people’s organizations must continue to push back against these repressive policies and maximize all avenues to hold the climate and human rights disaster that is the Marcos Jr. administration accountable.
CLIMATE JUSTICE NOW!
DEFEND ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDERS!
