Clear and unequivocal language on the phasing out of fossil fuels is the only way forward to prevent the human rights crisis that is caused by climate change. 

This is the message from Benjamin Schachter, the UN human rights office Environment and Climate Change Team Leader, who is coordinating the OHCHR delegation at the COP28 climate conference, now underway in Dubai, UAE.

The climate summit is in its final stretch, coinciding with the annual observance of Human Rights Day on December 10, and the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), putting a spotlight on links between human rights and climate change.

Speaking to UN News, Mr. Schachter explained that a human rights-based approach and a participatory and inclusive process can lead to climate solutions and better outcomes.