UN High Commissioner for Human Rights slams “weak” COP30 results and deplores “fatal inaction” by leaders

He didn’t mince words. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, regretted, Monday, November 24, these actions “bad results” COP30 in Brazil. I“fatal inaction” leaders may one day be considered a “crimes against humanity”he warned.

In his speech at the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva, Volker Türk highlighted the recent decision of the International Court of Justice which determined that “The government must prevent serious damage to our climate, including by regulating the business world.” The Inter-American Court of Human Rights also recognized the right to a stable climate and called on countries to do so “implement the obligation to protect companies and provide reparations for the adverse impacts caused by climate change”, he remembered.

The 30th UN climate conference ended Saturday in Belém, Brazil, with the adoption of a minimal agreement, without explicit mention of fossil fuels, but hailed by some as proof that multilateralism still works. Volker Türk estimates thats “bad results” illustrated how “corporate power imbalances manifest in the climate emergency.” “The fossil fuel industry generates enormous profits while harming some of the world’s poorest communities and countries”he said. “It is vital that those responsible for this injustice, and all the other devastating impacts associated with climate change, are held accountable.”

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Saturday welcomed the adoption of several texts at the end of COP30 in Brazil while acknowledging that “many may feel disappointed” based on the results of the discussion. “The COP operates on consensus, and in times of geopolitical division, achieving consensus is more difficult than ever,” he observed. In an effort to fight climate change, “I will continue to support higher ambitions and greater solidarity,” said the UN Secretary General again.