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UN climate resolution encouraging but has no teeth, experts say
While observers commended Indonesia’s receptiveness to the resolution, they noted that it was still up to lawmakers to realize the document's tenets.
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A resident passes by a forest fire as it consumes a plantation area in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Aug. 27. (Antara/epost-robot)
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n late July, the United Nations General Assembly celebrated the passage of a “historic resolution” after over a decade of drafting. It was supported by 161 nations – including Indonesia – with eight abstentions and was opposed by none.
The “landmark” document, as UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres proclaimed, declared that living in a clean and healthy environment was a “universal human right”. It called on both member states and business enterprises work to resolve climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.
“The international community has given universal recognition to this right and brought us closer to making it a reality for all,” Gutteres said.
In signing the resolution, Indonesia recognized that it had the “obligation to respect, protect and promote human rights, including in all actions undertaken to address environmental challenges”.
The country also concurred that climate change had disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, such as women, children and disabled persons.
But nearly three months later, in a discussion held by the Ocean Justice Initiative (IOJI), a think tank and advocacy group, experts sounded a note of caution.
While they commended Indonesia’s receptiveness to the resolution, they noted that it was still up to lawmakers to realize its tenets.
