The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has declined a complaint from Swedish climate activist Gret Tunberg and other activists alleging that national inaction in the fight against climate change is violating children’s rights, and said the complainants had first had to go to their national courts.
The complaint was submitted to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2019. It was presented by 15 activists between the ages of eight and 17, claiming that France, Turkey, Brazil, Germany and Argentina had been aware of the risks of climate change for decades but had not reduced their carbon footprint.
Alexandria Vijasenore, an activist from the United States, expressed confidence that the committee would regret its decision in the future. “When climate disasters are even more severe than now, the committee will deeply regret not doing the right thing when they had the chance,” the activist said.
He has not yet commented on the decision of the Tunberg Committee.
This case is one of the human rights cases in climate litigation that is considered an important precedent.
The Committee, composed of 18 independent human rights experts, concluded that a “sufficient causal link” had been established between the serious harm allegedly suffered by children and the acts or omissions of five countries. However, the committee accepted the arguments of five countries that new activists should first go to national courts.
“You have succeeded in some respects, but not in others,” the committee said in a letter to young people. At the same time, the committee praised their courage and determination.
“We hope that the positive aspects of this decision will give you strength and that you will continue to act in your countries and regions, as well as internationally, to fight for justice for climate change,” the letter said.
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