Mary Robinson Discusses the Role of Climate Justice in Protecting the Most Vulnerable
Published: Monday, September 05, 2011
On Monday, 5th September, Aga Wiesyk, NWCI Membership Development Officer represented the National Women's Council of Ireland during Mary Robinson's discussion on the mission of her new Foundation organised by The Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) where she pointed out climate change is a serious threat from developed nations to the human rights of people in developing countries.
She said that a recognition of the real threat from climate change to such basic human rights as the right to food, water and health was a reason for her to found the Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice in 2010. It aims to put justice for the poor and the forgotten at the heart of the climate debate and to empower the marginalised to achieve sustainable and people-centred development. Mary Robinson outlined the Foundation "articulates a vision for, inter alia, how climate justice can influence and shape negotiations on climate change and ultimately lead to equitable burden-sharing and greater equality through financial assistance and technology transfer" and that there is a strong need for the richer nations to "provide adequate financial and technical support to enable the poorest countries to adapt to climate change and embrace low-carbon development".
Mary Robinson who also acts as a President of her Foundation has a strong human rights involvement and advocacy record. She served as a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997-2002) and is a founder and President of Realizing Rights (since 2002). She received numerous honours and awards throughout the world including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama and is a member of the Elders, former Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders and a member of the Club of Madrid. She chairs the GAVI Alliance Board and acts as a President of the International Commission of Jurists.
To listen to a podcast of the Mary Robinson's full speech on the Role of Climate Justice click here.
To find out more about The Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice (MRFCJ) visit its website at www.mrfcj.org