22 June 2022

13:00 - 14:30

Ecumenical Centre (Salles II and III), Geneva, Switzerland

Click here to register

Framing:

The Geneva Interfaith Forum -  GIF^[1] is organising a side event during the 50th session of the Human Rights Council to address the importance of defending the  rights of persons who are forced to move in the context of climate change. This side event seeks to lift diverse voices, including from faith communities, on the realities faced by people on the displaced by climate change or climate actions, and to highlight the need for enhanced protection of these people.

Objective of the discussion:

• To highlight threats faced by people affected by climate induced displacement and their need for protection
• To shed light on the connection and importance of defending human rights in the context of climate change

Programme:

Welcome by Prof. Dr  Isabel Apawo Phiri, deputy general secretary, World Council of Churches

Panelists

• Dr Ian Fry, UN Special Rapporteur Climate Change and Human Rights
• Mr. Md. Baki Billah, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN in Geneva
• Ms. Christian Wolff, ACT Alliance
• Ms. Osmawani Binti Osman, Islamic Relief Worldwide
• Dr Abeya Wakwoya, Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus
• Ms. Mercedes Perez, Migrant Programme Manager, Comisión de Acción Social Menonita

Moderator

• Ms Sandra Epal-Ratjen, Franciscans International

The event will be in English. However, there will be an interpretation to English for the Spanish speaking panelist.

[1] The Geneva Interfaith Forum on Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights (GIF) is composed of the following faith-based NGOs: World Council Churches, Lutheran World Federation, Franciscans International, Dominicans for Justice and Peace, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, Soka Gakkai International, and ACT Alliance.