The Climate Change and Human Rights Nexus in Africa

Abstract

People in Sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change because of a variety of factors, including poverty and the intensity of the effects of climate change on people whose livelihoods still largely depend on the land. The outcome is gross violations of human rights among the people of Africa. This study examines the link between climate change and human rights from an African perspective. It explores the international framework protecting the human rights of people severely affected by climate change in order to determine to what extent it adequately protects these rights. Drawing on examples from Zimbabwe, Nigeria and countries involved in armed conflict, the authors argue that African governments have responsibilities to protect fundamental human rights in the context of climate change. Recommendations are offered on how human rights can be more effectively protected in the era of climate change.

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