Empowering National Human Rights Institutions to Advance
Rights-Based Climate Action
viii
contribute to the overall impact on national climate policies. Furthermore, their limited ability
to advise governments on the human rights implications of climate policies undermines their
influence in climate decision-making, leaving systemic issues inadequately addressed.
Implications
NHRIs covered in the Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis reported that they face
challenges mainly due to a lack of expertise and engagement, as insufficient training in
climate change and human rights, along with weak connections to affected communities,
limits their information-gathering and advocacy efforts. The absence of clear internal policy
frameworks further diminishes their effectiveness in integrating human rights into climate
policies and disaster management strategies. Additionally, limited participation in international
climate forums weakens NHRIs’ exposure and ability to influence global climate strategies
from a human rights perspective.
Recommendations
The recommendations from the Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis focus on improving
NHRI engagement with climate change and human rights issues across five key themes: (i)
training and capacity development; (ii) technical tools and resources; (iii) internal policies and
guidelines; (iv) stakeholder engagement; and (v) coordination with international mechanisms.
} Training and Capacity Development
Recommendation 1: Develop and implement a training programme for NHRIs
in the region on climate change, human rights and gender intersectionality, with
a focus on mobility risks and considerations, targeted to frontline staff who are
engaged in human rights monitoring, investigation and advocacy at all six NHRIs
(High priority; Short-term).
Recommendation 2: Establish a medium-term ongoing professional development
plan to train NHRIs staff on climate litigation, gender-responsive climate action,
and human rights-based climate advocacy (Medium priority; Medium-term).
} Technical Tools and Resources
Recommendation 3: Develop a set of guidelines and/or manuals on monitoring,
investigating and advocacy related to climate change impact on human rights,
which align with the broad NHRI mandates (High priority; Short-term).