Letter to the Editor: CLPI’s statement on Special Rapporteur Ian Fry’s findings

Dear Editor,

The Council of Leaders for Peace Initiatives (CLPI) has welcomed the recommendations of Mr. Ian Fry, the first Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change. 

Mr. Fry visited the Philippines from November 6-15, 2023 in relation to his task to “study [...] how the adverse effects of climate change affect the full and effective enjoyment of human rights.” We appreciate that Mr. Fry met not only government officials but many stakeholders and visited places outside the National Capital Region. 

In his statement after the visit, he details impacts of climate change we experience such as intensified typhoons, droughts, landslides, and rising sea levels. He also mentioned how these are exacerbated by the destructive constructions of dams and mines that displace minority groups, especially indigenous peoples. As part of the human rights defender community, we affirm or agree with his findings. 

While environmental impacts are ‘natural’, these projects are man-made. This concept of “man-made” effects also applies to the harassment of environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs). As per Global Witness’ report—also in Mr. Fry’s statement—the Philippines is currently the deadliest country for environmental and land defenders. Part of this danger is caused by the NTF-ELCAC red-tagging EHRDs. Red-tagging has grave consequences such as the imprisonment, abduction, and execution of defenders. Thus, it is evident that the environmental situation and human rights are inextricably tied. 

The Philippines, or any country, cannot fully enjoy human rights if 1) climate change is not addressed, and 2) those protecting the environment are met with violence. We cannot have peace and justice if these are not resolved. 

As Mr. Fry puts it, “Much needs to be done to return the international reputation of the Philippines to a fair and just nation. For a country so vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, it is imperative the country takes decisive action on climate change [...] and to protect environmental human rights defenders from human rights violations by the military.” 

This is why Mr. Fry calls for the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC and the revocation of the Anti-Terror Law. In the case of the latter, weaponizing the law against environmental defenders is a disservice to climate justice. 

The Council of Leaders for Peace Initiatives, a collegial, multistakeholder, and diverse body of Filipino advocates of a just and lasting peace in the Philippines, supports these findings and recommendations. Abolish the NTF-ELCAC! Repeal the Anti-Terror Law! 

There can be no successful effort to adapt and mitigate climate change, and address the loss and damage it causes if we there is no peace in our country. To implement a comprehensive response to climate justice, CLPI calls for the resumption of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. Effective climate action requires a permanent just settlement of all social conflicts in the Philippines. 

In front of the climate emergency, peace now! 

Ref: Dean Tony Laviña