HRC53 - NB8 statement - Climate change and the right to food

Item 3: Interactive dialogue on the report of the Secretary-General on climate change and the right to food

Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries

3 July 2023

Mr. President,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Denmark.

This decade represents a closing window of opportunity for us to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. We must act together to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Increasingly, we witness the negative impacts of climate change. From extreme drought and flooding to more frequent and severe natural disasters destroying the ability of entire regions to feed themselves.

Climate induced events like these, whether they hit suddenly or arrives slowly, have an impact not only on the right to food, but on the full realization of all human rights all over the world. Persons at the frontline of climate change, including women, children, Indigenous Peoples, and LGBTQI+, are especially at risk, and action needs to be inclusive and ensure their participation.

We welcome the report of the Secretary-General, and we would welcome the thoughts of the Office on how we could further bring forward the report and the topics it touches upon in the work of the Council?