ISHR Secretary-General Participates in COP 16 in Colombia

The International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) is honored to announce the participation of its Secretary-General at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) in Colombia, where world leaders, environmental experts, and human rights advocates gather to address the urgent issue of climate change. Established as the primary platform for global environmental dialogue, the COP was launched in 1995, bringing together member states of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to assess progress in combating climate change and negotiate effective strategies.

“Peace with Nature” is the theme of the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which began on Monday, October 21, in Cali, Colombia. More than 18,000 participants, including delegates, representatives of NGOs, the private sector and the press, will attend some 1,000 events over the next two weeks to agree on measures to protect nature and restore degraded natural spaces. UN Secretary-General António Guterres will be joined by ten heads of state, including Lula da Silva of Brazil and Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, as well as 100 environment ministers and more than 140 UN delegations.

Human rights organizations like ISHR play a crucial role in advocating for the inclusion of human rights within climate policies. Recognizing that climate change poses a profound threat to the enjoyment of fundamental rights, human rights defenders work tirelessly to ensure policies are not only environmentally sound but also socially equitable. By supporting human rights defenders and amplifying the voices of affected communities, organizations like ISHR contribute to a climate action framework that prioritizes dignity, inclusion, and justice for all. The ISHR was well represented by our S.G

ISHR S.G. Matthias K. Boehning with COP 16 President María Susana Muhamad González, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia. Upon her invitation the S.G. had the honour and privilege to moderate the High-Level Thematic Ministerial Dialogue on the topic „Peace with Nature“ on the final day of the High-level Segment of COP16 in Cali/Colombia.

Matthias K. Boehning with Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Our S.G. with Astrid Puentes Riaño, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to a healthy environment.

Our S.G with Peter Prove, Director of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches

Ilze Brands Kehris, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights and our S.G

As COP 16 progresses, ISHR joins in demanding urgent action to halt the devastating global loss of biodiversity and address the interconnected threats climate change poses to our economic systems and social stability. The goals this year are clear: to protect nature, safeguard our ecosystems, and ultimately secure the future of humanity. Achieving these objectives requires not only ambitious policies and commitments but also the amplified voices of civil society, indigenous peoples, and local communities, whose perspectives are essential in shaping equitable and effective solutions. Their experiences and wisdom offer critical insights into sustainable practices and underscore the need for inclusive, community-driven approaches to climate resilience. At COP 16, the ISHR stands firm in championing these voices and advocating for a future where humanity and nature flourish together.