Five brave young Australians’ UN human rights complaint
Meet the young Australians fighting for climate justice
Everyone has the right to a healthy environment and a safe climate. Our kids deserve a bright future with equal opportunity, a say in what will determine their future, and where the people and places they love thrive.
But right now, we are living in a climate crisis and young people, people with disabilities, and First Nations people are disproportionately affected.
That’s why, ahead of COP26, five brave young people in Australia from youth, First Nations and disability communities who are facing acute climate change risks, have lodged a trio of human rights complaints with the United Nations (UN) over the Australian government’s failure to act to meaningfully to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
The complaints are made jointly to the UN Special Rapporteurs for Human Rights and Environment, the rights of Indigenous people, and the rights of persons with disabilities. They make the case that the Morrison government’s globally-criticised 2030 emissions reduction target, fails to uphold the human rights of every young Australian, particularly those at acute risk from climate harms including young First Nations people and disabled people.
In the complaint, the group share their hopes for a safe future where they have equal opportunities, can enjoy good health, and can fully practise their Culture. They also outline their jarring personal experiences of extreme weather events, acute mental health risks, and their fears for their future and the future of the people and Country they love.
These inspiring young people are fighting for climate justice. They want to see the Australian government held to account for infringing on their human rights. And, they want a seat at the table – to have a fair and meaningful say in the decisions that affect their future, and the future of young people, First Nations people and people with disabilities across the country.
Together, we must solve the climate crisis before we lock in the greatest intergenerational injustice of our time. Then we can all enjoy a future where people and nature thrive, now and for generations to come.