A/HRC/32/24 and the marginalized being the most affected not only by climate-related conflict, ill-health and disease, but also by fragile and inadequate public health and health care systems, which were unable to cope with the threat-multiplying effects of climate change. 17. He emphasized that climate change affected not only human physical health but also the mental health and well-being of affected individuals and communities. People who experienced the loss of homes or loved ones or were exposed to life-threatening situations faced higher risks of developing stress and anxiety-related conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder or depression. States had a legal and moral obligation to mitigate risks associated with climate change and its adverse effects on human rights. Global processes, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development or the Paris Agreement, offered a road map, and the special procedures mechanisms of the Human Rights Council were ready to take active part in the monitoring of their implementation to help ensure that human rights are at the core of the work over the coming decade to foster peaceful, sustainable and inclusive societies. The Special Rapporteur said that bold commitment, visionary leadership and immediate action were needed to address the long-term threat of climate change with effective and human-rights based action to protect human health and dignity. 18. The Under-Secretary of the Department of Health of the Philippines described the Paris Agreement as a historic breakthrough in negotiations to arrive at a collective commitment to address the planet’s health. Climate change had significantly affected the health of Filipinos in tangible ways through devastating extreme weather events and in the shifting patterns of climate-sensitive diseases. After the massive flooding brought about in 2009 by tropical storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma, the number of leptospirosis cases had risen dramatically, and dengue incidents had been continually increasing over time. 19. The Philippines experience during Typhoon Haiyan highlighted the capacity of climate change to wipe out health sector gains and inflict catastrophic losses of life, limb and property. In the aftermath, inter-island and regional contingent networks filled the immediate need for rescue and medical attendance of patients. Adequate preparations were critical for response and, moving forward, with the help of the international community, it was important to rebuild better for a more resilient health system. Emergency response needed to be comprehensive covering a broad range of areas, including mental health, sexual and reproductive health and disability, in consonance with the Philippines national policy on climate change adaptation for the health sector. Specific social protection measures included emergency assistance, price subsidies, food programmes, employment programmes, retraining programmes and emergency loans for vulnerable populations. The Department of Health 2014-2018 strategic plan placed a priority on protecting the health of Filipinos living in areas vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and ensuring the right to health of all people. 20. It was important to build back better, stronger health infrastructure that would make health facilities safe havens that could meet needs for energy, water, logistical, communication and shelter in times of crisis. The Under-Secretary called for continued support, cooperation and solidarity in the financial, technological and humanitarian aspects of climate response. She urged the international community to help mobilize the $100 billion needed prior to 2020 to fast-track climate protection and ensure the provision of universal health coverage for all, including marginalized, indigenous and poverty-risk groups. In order to protect the right to health, Governments, civil society, the private sector, international partners and individuals were required to participate in protecting the environment and contributing to sustainable development to meet the needs of present and future generations. 21. The Chair of the International Union for Nutritional Sciences task force for climate and nutrition highlighted that climate change undermines the enjoyment of human rights, 5

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents