ISLAMABAD: Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights Chairperson Samina Mumtaz Zehri and Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam on Sunday agreed to integrate human rights into Pakistan’s climate policies.

The consensus emerged at a meeting aimed to safeguard vulnerable communities and address environmental challenges.

They pledged to develop an action plan ensuring that climate interventions not only mitigate environmental risks but also promote social justice. They emphasised that policy efforts must prioritise the protection of communities most affected by climate change, especially in Balochistan.

“Integrating human rights into climate policy is crucial to prevent further inequalities,” Senator Zehri said.

“Climate risks undermine fundamental rights such as access to food, water, health, and shelter. It’s essential that our response to the climate crisis doesn’t infringe on these basic human rights.”

She highlighted Balochistan’s acute vulnerability, explaining that the province’s arid geography, dependence on agriculture, water scarcity and inadequate infrastructure made it highly susceptible to extreme weather events.

“Balochistan is facing rising temperatures, droughts, cyclones, and flash floods,” she noted, adding, “These environmental stresses not only harm the ecosystem but also disproportionately affect marginalised communities.”

Samina Zehri stressed the need for climate policies that focussed on equity and justice, calling for a fair distribution of resources. “Climate justice is about supporting those least responsible for the crisis, yet suffering its worst effects. Resource-poor and vulnerable communities need assistance to build resilience,” she added.

Ms Romina Alam echoed Senator Zehri’s concerns, stating that climate change impacted a broad spectrum of human rights, including the right to life and access to clean water, food, and shelter.

“Recognising climate change as a human rights issue is a critical first step in developing policies that account for the social and economic impact on marginalized groups,” she said.

She assured the senator of support in advancing climate justice. She emphasised the importance of engaging with communities at the grassroots level to develop inclusive policies.

“We must consult with those most affected and ensure their voices shape our national climate agenda,” she remarked.

She also underlined the necessity of aligning climate actions with human rights to foster sustainable development.

Both the leaders underscored the urgency of coordinated national efforts to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and human rights.

Marginalised groups, including women, children, and economically disadvantaged communities, often lacked the means to adapt to climate impacts and struggle to access essential services. Ensuring their rights and well-being is vital to creating a more just society, they agreed.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to collaborate closely on climate justice initiatives, particularly focusing on high-risk areas like Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan. They affirmed that human rights-based climate policies would help Pakistan build resilience and protect its most vulnerable populations.

Published in Dawn, October 21th, 2024