Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis of the National
Human Rights Institutions in South Asia
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as microfinancing and loans, to help affected individuals recover. While the government
has policies for disaster management, stronger interventions and funding are necessary to
address the growing challenges posed by climate change effectively.
In Sri Lanka, HRCSL emphasises gender equality in its disaster response efforts. By training
staff to be sensitive to gender issues, the commission seeks to ensure that the needs of
women, children, and individuals with disabilities are adequately addressed during natural
disasters. Their recognition of the LGBTQ+ community further demonstrates a commitment
to inclusivity in their climate change response efforts. This highlights the importance of
integrating diverse perspectives into the planning and implementation of CCMA initiatives.
Common thematic issues across these six NHRIs include the urgent need for more
robust gender-sensitive policies and practices that address the specific vulnerabilities of
marginalised groups in the context of climate change. All NHRIs recognise the importance of
incorporating gender considerations into their work, yet there remains a considerable gap
in translating this recognition into effective action. Overall, while each NHRI demonstrates
varying levels of commitment and progress in addressing human rights and gender
considerations related to climate change, the collective experiences indicate a pressing need
for enhanced action, especially to strengthen agency and empowerment, while addressing
social norms and contexts which perpetuates inequality and vulnerability. Strengthening
gender inclusivity within CCMA efforts is essential for promoting the rights of vulnerable
populations and ensuring that their voices are heard in climate action strategies.
F. Coordinated Approaches and Collaboration
The theme of coordinated approaches and collaboration in CCMA initiatives across the six
NHRIs reveals a growing recognition among all of the NHRIs of the need to work collectively
to address the intersection of human rights and climate change. Each NHRI highlighted
different levels of engagement with local, national, and international stakeholders, indicating
varying capacities and commitments to tackle climate-related challenges.