The Philippines is set to play a pivotal role in international climate change dialogue as it has been selected to lead the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) Board.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed optimism about this significant responsibility, citing the Philippines’ dedication to advancing global climate action.
The LDF Board, established during the United Nations Climate Conference (COP 27) last year, aims to provide financial assistance to nations heavily impacted by the effects of climate change.
Loss and damage refer to the adverse consequences and extreme events resulting from the climate crisis.
CHR noted that the Philippines, alongside seven other state contenders, has expressed its intent to host the LDF Board, which will enable the country to hold a “formidable voice” in global climate action.
The LDF Board, comprising 26 country parties, is tasked with operationalizing the fund to assist developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Developed countries have pledged $700 million to the Fund, which will serve as a new channel for multilateral financing.
This will support global efforts to address economic and non-economic losses and damages associated with the climate crisis.
The Philippines has a history of promoting human rights within the context of international climate negotiations.
In 2015, it served as the Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, an international partnership focused on South-South cooperation on climate change issues.
CHR sees this development as an opportunity for the Philippines to engage with like-minded countries prioritizing the climate crisis.
The Commission hopes this will lead to stronger and more coordinated global initiatives promoting a human rights-based approach to environmental governance.
“We look forward to the Congress’ swift passage of a law related to this matter, in order to confer the legal personality and capacity to the LDF Board,” stated the CHR.
“We envision that this will supplement the Philippines’ efforts towards climate adaptation and mitigation measures, while giving emphasis to the financial aid that this will provide for climate-related initiatives.”
CHR also reiterated its recommendations from the National Inquiry on Climate Change (NICC) report, emphasizing the importance of global collective action by states and collaboration with the private sector to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights.
The move aligns with the Commission’s proposal for an Inter-NHRI Inquiry Mechanism, aimed at addressing human rights violations and abuses with cross-border implications and transboundary harm.
As the Philippines takes the helm of the LDF Board, CHR welcomes this landmark development, hoping it will prompt decisive and collective global efforts towards ensuring the full enjoyment of rights in the context of climate action.
