General debate on item 3: Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development

52nd session of the Human Rights Council: Item 3: General Debate on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, Statement by Finland, 17 March 2023.

Mr President,

The triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss poses a serious threat to the realization of all human rights and to life on Earth. Furthermore, the triple crisis increases the risk of conflicts, a major driver of both environmental destruction and gender inequality. In this regard, we commend the resolution by the UN General Assembly affirming a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right. We welcome the report of the Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and its focus on the gender dimension of the triple crisis.

Women and girls bear a disproportionate burden on the impacts of the triple crisis. This crisis contributes to forced displacement and fuels further violence against women and girls. Women and girls lack access to justice and effective remedies when their rights are violated. Too often, they are underrepresented, even excluded, from environmental decision-making processes. Ensuring the full, equal, effective and meaningful participation of women and girls in all environmental decision-making processes will not only give us the correct tools for solving the biggest crisis humanity has on its hands but also for reaching SDG5 and gender equality.

We need more women and girls in all their diversity at the table, including women and girls in vulnerable situations or belonging to marginalized communities. Adopting a gender-transformative approach and addressing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, are crucial for making the right to clean, healthy, and sustainable environment a reality for all.

I thank you.