NECJ Urges Govt to Prioritize Climate Justice and Human Rights
By Staff Reporter
In response to President Mnangagwa’s remarks on climate change, the Network for Environmental and Climate Justice (NECJ) has emphasized the urgent need for concerted action to address the looming threat to sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
The NECJ acknowledges the gravity of the situation and stresses the importance of aligning efforts with Zimbabwe’s Climate Change Policy to safeguard human rights and promote equitable adaptation strategies.
“To mobilize maximum available resources for realization of economic, social and cultural rights, as well as for the advancement of civil and political rights and the right to development – international cooperation is key in this regard.
“Promote agricultural production and sustainable use of the environment and protection of natural ecosystems. Promote equity by ensuring that efforts to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change should benefit people in vulnerable situations and future generations. Addressing inequalities that result from Climate Change is key and efforts on Climate Justice must ensure gender equality, promotion and protection of the rights of children, older persons and others in vulnerable situations.
“To ensure meaningful and informed participation on climate change and its related disasters by affected communities. The government must make early-warning information regarding climate effects and natural disasters available to all sectors of the society. Strengthening disaster preparedness and management is key and, in this regard, devolution of resources- (both financial and human) is essential to allow for area centered responses,” said NECJ
Furthermore, NECJ emphasized the integration of climate change considerations into all government policies and collaborative efforts with civil society organizations and traditional leaders to raise awareness.
They also stressed the pivotal role of traditional leaders in climate change adaptation, mitigation, and information dissemination, advocating for the restoration of livelihoods and regular counseling sessions for affected communities.
NECJ called for urgent action to prioritize climate justice and human rights in Zimbabwe’s response to climate change, underscoring the need for inclusive and community-driven solutions to mitigate its impacts.
