Philippine-Led UN resolution advances climate adaptation as human rights imperative

MANILA — The Philippine-led resolution on Human Rights and Climate Change, adopted by consensus at the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), strengthens the international framework recognizing climate adaptation as essential to protecting human rights, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) said.

The resolution calls for science-based, people-centered, and country-driven climate action while promoting stronger climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, equitable access to climate finance, and international cooperation to support developing countries and vulnerable communities. It also underscores the importance of protecting present and future generations from the adverse impacts of climate change.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said the consensus adoption reflects the international community’s growing recognition that effective climate action must place people, resilience, and adaptation at its core.

“Climate resilience is ultimately about protecting people. This resolution advances the principle that strengthening climate adaptation is essential to protecting human rights.”

Borje said the resolution reinforces the Philippines’ long-standing principled position for science-based, people-centered climate action and complements the implementation of the Philippines’ first National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050 completed under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

“The National Adaptation Plan recognizes that climate adaptation is about enabling people and communities to live safer, healthier, and more secure lives despite a changing climate through a systems, predictive and prescribe approach. This resolution reinforces that direction.”

The Commission noted that the resolution advances priorities already reflected in the Philippines’ climate agenda, including science-informed adaptation, inclusive decision-making, disaster risk reduction, intergenerational equity, protection of vulnerable sectors, and improved access to climate finance. It likewise encourages stronger international cooperation to help climate-vulnerable developing countries build resilience.

The CCC acknowledged the leadership of the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva and the Department of Foreign Affairs in successfully steering the negotiations that led to the consensus adoption of the resolution.

The Commission also supported the Philippine Mission and DFA by providing technical and substantive policy inputs drawn from the country’s climate governance framework, particularly on climate adaptation, resilience, disaster risk reduction, climate finance, and the protection of vulnerable sectors.

“For countries like the Philippines, adaptation is not optional. It is indispensable to protecting lives, livelihoods, ecosystems, and development gains in a changing climate,” Borje said.

The CCC said the resolution further reinforces the importance of translating international commitments into concrete action through national policies, local implementation, and sustained international cooperation.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to work with government agencies, local government units, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, the academe, and communities to strengthen climate resilience and advance sustainable development through evidence-informed and inclusive climate governance.

The Climate Change Commission is the country’s lead policy-making body on climate change. Under Republic Act No. 9729, or the Climate Change Act of 2009, as amended by Republic Act No. 10174, the CCC is mandated to coordinate, monitor, and evaluate government programs and ensure the mainstreaming of climate change into national, local, and sectoral development plans.