SAHRC to focus on environmental rights, climate justice
The South African Human Rights Commission has vowed to upskill its staff to ensure improved protection of environmental rights.
It made the promise on World Environment Day, which was marked on Thursday.
Spokesperson for the commission, Wisani Baloyi, said that a healthy environment is not only foundational to human survival, but is also central to the realisation of other rights, including the rights to health, water, food, and dignity.
“South Africa continues to face climate-related challenges, including persistent droughts, coastal erosion, and severe flooding that disproportionately affect vulnerable and marginalised communities,” said Baloyi.
“According to inequality and growth impacts of climate change insights from South Africa, climate change not only increases inequality, but increased inequality exacerbates many of the climate change-induced impacts on society through increased exposure and vulnerability.”
He added that the commission aims to prioritise climate justice as a strategic focus area.
Baloyi said the commission will be investing in the upskilling of staff to enhance their expertise on environmental and climate-related issues to ensure they uphold their constitutional and legal obligations to protect the environment and promote human rights.
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