The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has acknowledged the Inter-American Court of Human Rights’ recent advisory opinion as a pivotal advancement for addressing climate-related human rights obligations. This stance underscores a call for more robust legislative and international collaborative efforts from States.
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) issued Advisory Opinion 32/25, which scrutinizes the commitment of signatory states under the American Convention on Human Rights in the context of climate change. Prompted by submissions from Chile and Colombia, this opinion marks a significant entry point for human rights discourse amidst the growing climate crisis.
The court unequivocally labeled the current climate trajectory as a “climate emergency,” emphasizing the disproportionate human activities causing global temperature rises and the imminent threat these present, specifically to vulnerable populations. It noted the recognized human right to a healthy environment, which confers both international and domestic obligations on states to counteract climate alterations and shield at-risk communities.
The advisory opinion emerged from a thorough process, including 263 written submissions and two public hearings following the initial petition by Chile and Colombia in January 2023. Despite its non-binding nature, this consultative tool clarifies the interplay between internal legal standards and the Convention’s interpretation, serving as an influential guideline for member states.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) also welcomed the decision, with its Director General, Dr. Grethel Aguilar, highlighting the advisory opinion’s crucial role in reinforcing state responsibilities under international law in addressing the climate emergency. The pronouncement arrives at a crucial junction, illustrative of the ongoing evolution within legal and justice paradigms in response to climate imperatives.