General Comment No. 26: Peter Tinotenda Mudimu laments the effects of climate change on Children’s Rights.

Today, I would like to draw your attention to an urgent issue that is often overlooked in the discourse around climate change: the impact it has on children’s rights. Climate change is not just an environmental crisis, but a direct threat to the fundamental rights and well-being of children all around the world.

First and foremost, climate change poses a significant threat to children’s right to life and survival. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, are becoming more frequent and intense. These events displace families, destroy homes, and disrupt access to essential resources like food, clean water, and healthcare. Children are particularly vulnerable to these impacts, often unable to cope with the immediate aftermath and more likely to suffer from malnutrition, diseases, and even death.

Furthermore, climate change exacerbates existing inequalities and leads to social and economic instability, which directly impacts children’s rights. Many children already living in poverty or marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by climate change. They are more likely to live in areas with inadequate infrastructure, making them more susceptible to the consequences of extreme weather events. Displacement and loss of livelihoods also lead to increased child labour, exploitation, and barriers to education.

Speaking of education, climate change also threatens children’s right to quality education. As extreme weather events become more frequent, schools are forced to close, disrupting children’s learning and further widening the gap in educational opportunities. Moreover, prolonged exposure to harmful environmental conditions, such as air pollution or heatwaves, can affect cognitive development and overall learning outcomes.

In addition, climate change undermines children’s rights to health and well-being. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns contribute to the spread of diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, endangering children’s lives and impeding their access to adequate healthcare. Moreover, the mental health of children is also affected as they witness the destruction of their communities and are forced to deal with the uncertainty and fear associated with climate-related disasters.

Lastly, children have the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives, and yet they are often excluded from climate-related dialogues and decision-making processes. It is crucial to include children’s voices and perspectives in discussions on climate change, as they possess unique insights and ideas that can contribute to effective and sustainable solutions.

In conclusion, climate change is not just an environmental crisis but a children’s rights crisis as well. We must recognize that children are the most vulnerable when it comes to the consequences of climate change, and we have a moral obligation to protect their rights. Addressing climate change requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes children’s well-being, involves their participation, and ensures their rights are upheld. It is only by doing so that we can build a sustainable, just, and inclusive future for all.

Thank you.