Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Climate Change

Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America

As Delivered By Phillip Riblett

Human Rights Council – 50th Session 

June 23, 2022  

Thank you, Mr.  President.

The United States congratulates Special Rapporteur Fry on his appointment and looks forward to working with him on this important issue.

The United States is working hard to combat the climate crisis, working with partners around the world to keep a limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach and support adaptation for those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Climate impacts are becoming more frequent, and some – such as small island states and least developed countries – are particularly vulnerable.  We are partnering with States to not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but to help communities adapt and build resilience to climate impacts.

During your tenure as Special Rapporteur, we hope that your efforts include a focus on participation of vulnerable and marginalized groups in climate-related decision making; the promotion of gender-responsive, age-sensitive, and disability-inclusive approaches; protection of climate change activists and other environmental defenders; and consideration of different national frameworks for addressing climate-related migration.

Question:  What do you plan to focus on in your work on climate-related migration?

Thank you.