Climate change impact CDWD extensively, says UN Special Rapporteur Dr Surya Deva 

A report by Dr Surya Deva, Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development, highlighted the severe impacts of climate change on Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD), linking these challenges directly to the broader context of climate justice. 

The report, which referred to the work done by Global Forum on Discrimination extensively, underscored how these communities, marginalised due to their caste or occupational identities, are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, exacerbating their already precarious situations.

Thanking Deva for his efforts, GFoD convener Paul Diwakar extended his deepest gratitude to the Dr. Surya Deva for shining a crucial light on the plight of communities discriminated against due to work and descent. “His unwavering commitment to addressing these injustices not only amplifies their voices but also reinforces the global imperative to ensure that development is inclusive and equitable for all,” Diwakar added. 

Communities such as Dalits in South Asia, Quilombolas in Brazil, and similar groups globally, who have historically faced systemic discrimination, now find their right to development further threatened by climate-induced challenges. The report indicated that climate change does not affect all populations equally, with these marginalised communities facing disproportionate impacts. This includes loss of livelihoods, displacement, and exacerbated social exclusion. The compounded discrimination faced by women and children in these communities was also noted, as they are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, exploitation, and trafficking in the wake of climate disasters.

“Special efforts should be made to ensure the participation of children, youth, women, persons with a disability, discriminated communities based on work and descent and Indigenous Peoples in designing, implementing and revising the policies of the Fund, as well as in all Board meetings. To ensure meaningful participation, enabling conditions should be created such as access to information, visa support and funding for technical preparatory assistance, translation facilities, language interpretation and travel,” Deva said in his report. 

The Special Rapporteur’s report also emphasised the failure of international legal frameworks to protect these communities effectively. Instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights have not adequately addressed the intersection of climate change and discrimination based on work and descent. The report called for comprehensive legal reforms, including the explicit prohibition of such discrimination in national laws and policies. Furthermore, it stressed the necessity for robust implementation of these laws, as mere existence without enforcement offers little protection.

Addressing the link between climate justice and the right to development, the report highlighted the importance of viewing climate change-related loss and damage through a human rights lens. It argued that the most affected by climate change are often those who have contributed the least to its causes, such as low-income countries and marginalised communities. The report urged that developed countries and large corporations bear the responsibility to mitigate and remediate the damage caused by climate change, as part of their duty under international human rights law.

The Special Rapporteur recommended that governments collaborate with civil society organisations and community leaders to design and implement programs aimed at building resilience among these vulnerable communities. This includes providing education, vocational training, and social protection measures tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, the report called for stronger international cooperation to combat climate change-related discrimination. It suggested that global efforts should include technical and financial support for affected countries and increased representation of these communities in international forums to ensure their voices are heard.

The report’s focus on climate justice as a critical component of the right to development signals a growing recognition of the need for an inclusive approach to addressing climate change. It asserts that true progress can only be achieved when all communities, regardless of their background or descent, are empowered to contribute to and benefit from development efforts. Ending discrimination based on work and descent, particularly in the context of climate change, is essential to achieving broader goals of social justice and equality worldwide. The report calls for persistent international pressure, national commitment, and grassroots activism to bring about the necessary changes.