COP30 urged to link climate justice with reparations for historical crimes

"Hundreds of environmental and human rights groups and activists have penned a letter urging the upcoming UN climate conference, COP30, in Brazil to place justice and reparations for people unfairly affected by the climate crisis, colonialism and slavery at the centre of talks. The signatories, which include Brazil's Instituto Luiz Gama and the Caribbean Pan African Network (CPAN), urged organisers on Friday"

"We call for justice for the countries and people of the world who have historically contributed the least to climate change, but who are often among the hardest hit by it, the activists said in their letter. They called on Brazil as the host of the meeting, alongside other organisers, to highlight how climate justice is connected to reparations for the histories and legacies of colonialism and enslavement, noting that Brazil is home to the largest population of people of African descent outside Africa"

"The letter also pointed to recent advisory opinions on climate justice from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, noting that both rulings highlighted the vulnerabilities of Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. Crucially, the ICJ said industrialised nations have a legal obligation to take the lead in combating climate change, due to their greater historical responsibility for emissions."

Hundreds of environmental and human rights groups urged COP30 in Brazil to prioritize justice and reparations for people disproportionately affected by the climate crisis, colonialism and slavery. The signatories include Brazil's Instituto Luiz Gama and the Caribbean Pan African Network (CPAN). The groups demanded that voices of Africans, people of African descent and Indigenous Peoples be centered at the Maloca meeting in the Brazilian Amazon from November 10 to 21. The appeal links climate justice to reparations for historical colonialism and enslavement, cites advisory opinions from the ICJ and Inter-American Court, and stresses that industrialized nations owe leadership and finance for loss and damage.

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