HRC50 - NB8 statement - Panel 1: Exploring the nexus between climate change and violence against women and girls through a human rights lens

Human Rights Council – 50th session

Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women

Panel 1: Exploring the nexus between climate change and violence against

women and girls through a human rights lens

Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries

27 June 2022

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

Climate change is one of the biggest threats to our lives and livelihoods. Climate change fuels shortage of food and water, loss of nature, conflict and poverty.

It also exacerbates existing gender inequalities and makes women and girls in all their diversity more vulnerable to sexual and gender based violence. Those facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination are most at risk. 

During the pandemic we saw an increase in sexual and gender based violence globally. We must act now to ensure that the climate crisis does not amplify this negative trend. 

We strongly believe that women and girls are key actors in climate action, standing up for their human rights.  Therefore, we must ensure their full, equal, effective and meaningful participation. 

When women and girls are active participants and change makers, they are also better protected against all forms of violence. 

Women environmental human rights defenders risk attacks and violence. They must have our protection.  

We are fully committed to strengthening the role and impact of women and girls in all their diversity in climate action.

Dear panellists, what are in your opinion the most effective ways to protect women and girls from sexual and gender based violence in situations where climate change places them at high risk?