Special Rapporteur on Climate Change

Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change

Purpose of the mandate

Change in the Earth’s climate, and the ensuing adverse effects, have led to economic, social, cultural and environmental consequences and have negative implications, both direct and indirect, for the effective promotion and protection of human rights and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. It is therefore essential to contribute towards ongoing efforts at all levels to address the adverse impact of climate change on the enjoyment of human rights, in the light of scientific data and assessments, and in a well-integrated manner that advances progress towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, as well as towards the promotion, protection, realization and enjoyment of human rights by everyone everywhere.

About the mandate

The mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change was established by the UN Human Rights Council at its 48th session in October 2021 (RES/48/14). The mandate was extended by the Human Rights Council for a period of three years in October 2024 (RES/57/31).

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Current mandate holder

Elisa Morgera is a Professor of International Law and Sustainability at Durham University (UK) and Professor in International and European Union Environmental Law at the University of Eastern Finland. Previously, she worked with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Italy and the United Nations Development Programme in Barbados; and continued to collaborate with the United Nations and other international organizations as consultant and independent expert. She advised governments and civil society in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific.

Read Elisa Morgera's full biography

Mr. Ian Fry (Tuvalu)
May 2022 - December 2023