Today, children around the world will join forces to celebrate the launch of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child’s guidance, which for the first time recognises children’s right to a healthy and sustainable environment.
The document, titled ‘General Comment No. 26 on children’s rights and the environment with a special focus on climate change’, outlines the obligations of states under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and calls on both states and businesses to take decisive action against climate change and environmental pollution.
The launch event is set to take place in the United Nations Palais des Nations in Geneva, and marks the end of a global, intergenerational consultation process that lasted for 18 months. It was initiated by the international child rights organisation Terre des Hommes, and co-created with expert advisors, including 12 child advisors from different countries. Over 16,331 children from 121 countries contributed to the process, making it one of the most inclusive child participation processes in the United Nation’s history.
In his speech at the launch event, Joshua Hofert, Executive Director of terre des hommes Germany, said: “Today is a good day for children – and for our planet. By recognising children’s environmental rights, the Committee underscores that those responsible for climate and environmental damage are violating children’s rights. States must listen to children’s and young people’s demands. They must stop making decisions at their expense. They must take action.”
The full press release is available in the PDF document attached. For press enquiries, contact Stephan Pohlmann, terre des hommes Germany, on +49 541 7101 135 or s.pohlmann@tdh.de.
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