The Inter-American Court of Human Rights' visit to Brazil, which took place between May 20 and 29, 2024, was a significant step in its mission to leverage the region's climate urgency. Manaus, as the capital of Amazonas, was chosen to give special attention to human rights issues affecting the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants and to enable the participation of indigenous peoples and local communities. The Court held various activities, including public hearings and meetings with local authorities, representatives of civil society and indigenous communities. Between May 27 and 29, a public hearing was held on a request for an Advisory Opinion on the climate emergency and human rights.
The Advisory Opinion was requested by Colombia and Chile with the aim of clarifying state obligations in the face of the climate emergency, taking into account the differentiated effects on various vulnerable groups, considering intersectionality, as well as the need for urgent, fair and sustainable responses based on human rights. The Advisory Opinion resulting from these hearings could guide member states in creating more effective policies, reinforcing the need for integrated responses to tackle climate change. Furthermore, it could be important for strengthening accountability and redress mechanisms for climate damage caused by companies.
Anna Maria Cárcamo, the Institute's Research and Engagement Director, and Isabela Bicalho, the Institute's Advisor, accompanied the hearing and took part in parallel events at the Institute for Climate and Society (iCS) and the Center for Justice and International Law. At these events, the members presented and publicized the work of the Climate Action Institute to various players in the socio-environmental sector.
During one of the hearings on the request for the Advisory Opinion, Isabela Bicalho said: "We understand that climate change exacerbates pre-existing inequalities and results in rights violations arising from the lack of access to public policies and protection measures against disasters, both socio-environmental and climatic."
The Institute's participation in the event was fundamental in highlighting the importance of climate justice for guaranteeing human rights. Climate change needs to be tackled alongside social inequalities.