Posts tagged Environment

Briefing: Environmental degradation, climate change and genocide in Gaza

The world is witnessing a genocide in Gaza. In addition to the extreme loss of life, restrictions on humanitarian access and forced displacement, Gaza has also suffered devastating environmental degradation and is being impacted by the climate crisis. CRIN's latest briefing considers the combined impact of Israel’s bombardment since 7 October 2023, environmental degradation and climate change on Gaza’s children, as well as the need for international legal action to address the effects.

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network19 August 2025Environment, Climate crisisComment

After three decades of climate talks, can COP30 bring the change we need?

Before COP30 in November, CRIN is critically reviewing the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of States: two initiatives aimed at enhancing the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). How can UN climate talks ensure both children’s rights and human rights are centred when discussing societal, sectoral and economic change?

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network8 July 2025Armed conflict, Climate crisis, Environment Comment

CRIN has joined 600+ NGOs and trade unions demanding the end of the EU’s production, export and import of banned pesticides

While the EU has banned many pesticides deemed too dangerous for use within its borders, EU-based companies are still allowed to manufacture and export banned substances to countries with weaker protections. This toxic double-standard violates children's rights, endangers vulnerable communities and threatens ecosystems all over the world.

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network26 June 2025Toxics, Environment Comment

CRIN has joined 200+ NGOs calling for reforms of the UN climate talks

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is at a breaking point. In marginalising vulnerable States, Indigenous Peoples and civil society, while allowing the largest historical polluters to avoid legal obligations and accountability, the UNFCC is running out of trust. Effective multilateralism is essential to navigate coming crises without leaving anyone behind.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network25 June 2025Climate crisis, Environment Comment

Beyond words on paper: Children's right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment

“How far must we go for those who hold decision-making power to remember that the future we will inherit depends precisely on the decisions they chose not to make? What will it take for decision-makers to realise that climate justice is about children’s rights, too?” – Santiago Flores Medina

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network18 June 2025Environment, Climate crisis Comment

The Toy Safety Regulation: A pivotal step in the EU’s marathon towards a toxic-free future

By agreeing to the revised Toy Safety Regulation in April 2025, the European Union has taken an important step in protecting children’s health. However, a long road lies ahead - as many promises from the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability are pending and could still be under threat. How can we work to ensure that children in the EU are protected against harmful exposure?

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network9 June 2025Toxics, EnvironmentComment

CRIN has joined 140+ organisations in their recommendations to the Host Country Agreement (HCA) guiding COP30

The HCA governs essential elements at the upcoming climate conference - such as security, visa access, participant rights, freedom of assembly and protection of personal data. These recommendations present concrete ways for enhancing civil society participation at COP30 by guaranteeing the inclusion of frontline environmental defenders.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network15 May 2025Climate crisis, Environment Comment

Hacia una mayor transparencia y participación ciudadana: La importancia del Acuerdo de Escazú

“El Acuerdo de Escazú representa una oportunidad clave para la democratización de la justicia climática en América Latina y el Caribe. Aunque su implementación se enfrenta a retos en la protección de los defensores y defensoras del medio ambiente, especialmente los jóvenes y los niños y niñas, sigue siendo una prioridad urgente. Aunque persisten obstáculos, avanzar en su ratificación e implementación efectiva, como en Colombia, puede romper el ciclo de violencia e impunidad, asegurando el derecho de las generaciones presentes y futuras a un medio ambiente sano. Con acciones concretas, el acuerdo puede convertirse en un motor para un futuro más justo y resiliente.”– Juan David Amaya

Read, SpanishChild Rights International Network30 April 2025Environment, Climate crisisComment

CRIN has joined 570+ organisations defending CSOs against attacks by the far-right

European civil society organisations (CSOs) have been weathering misinformation campaigns spearheaded by MEPs from the European People’s Party (EPP) and far-right groups. By lying about CSOs misuse of funding and questioning their legitimacy, we risk not only shrinking European civic spaces but weakening democracy as a whole.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network7 April 2025freedom of expression, Access to justice, EnvironmentComment

Open letter to UNFCC and Brazilian COP30 leadership to address fossil fuel lobby influence

CRIN has joined 250+ groups calling for immediate action to end high polluters lobby’s grip on UN Climate Talks at COP30 in Brazil. The coalition calls for immediate reforms, including the exclusion of polluting industry lobbyists, enhanced transparency standards and a revised COP Presidency selection process.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network24 March 2025Climate crisis, EnvironmentComment

Towards greater transparency and citizen participation: The importance of the Escazú Agreement

“The Escazú Agreement represents a key opportunity for the democratisation of climate justice in Latin America and the Caribbean. While its implementation faces challenges in protecting environmental defenders, especially young people and children, it remains an urgent priority. Although obstacles persist, advancing its ratification and effective implementation, as in Colombia, can break the cycle of violence and impunity, ensuring the right of present and future generations to a healthy environment. With concrete actions, the agreement can become a driving force for a more just and resilient future.” – Juan David Amaya

English, ReadChild Rights International Network5 March 2025Environment, Climate crisisComment

Declaration and key recommendations from children and young people for COP29

The words below come from passionate young people who advise and collaborate with CRIN, Alana, Plan International Netherlands, ChildFund Alliance, Child Rights Connect, Madhvi4EcoEthics and other children’s rights organisations on their work on children’s right to a safe, healthy and sustainable environment. They met ahead of COP29 to discuss key messages to COP negotiators.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network18 November 2024Climate crisis, Environment, Access to justiceComment

Joint letter to Anglo American about lead pollution and poisoning in Kabwe, Zambia

Along with lead organisation Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) and 30+ other civil society organisations and peers, CRIN has signed this open letter to the mining company Anglo American, urging them to address decades of mass lead poisoning affecting children in Kabwe, Zambia.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network5 November 2024EnvironmentComment

CRIN has joined over 100 other NGOs calling on EU institutions to ban the export of toxic products to non-EU countries

Along with Greenpeace, Amnesty International and other initiators, Child Rights International Network is calling on the European Union to close “hypocritical, cruel, unfair and intolerable” loopholes which allow companies based in the EU to export banned toxic products to other parts of the world, including the sale of unsafe children’s toys.

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network2 October 2024Toxics, EnvironmentComment

Call for a permanent ceasefire to ensure protection of children in the Middle East

Our joint statement with Eurochild: Human rights violations at the hands of Israel extend to Lebanon and children are paying the highest price. The time for a response is now; delay is unacceptable.

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network27 September 2024Toxics, EnvironmentComment

Navigating the UN Environment Assembly: perspectives of two youth activists

The CRIN team, alongside Yola from Black Girls Rising in South Africa and Kartik from India, attended the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi, where they shared insights on the event's focus on the triple planetary crisis and its significance for children's rights.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network15 April 2024Climate crisis, EnvironmentComment

Inter-American Court of Human Rights: children’s rights in the context of the climate emergency

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) is hearing a case on how human rights are protected, within the context of the climate emergency, under the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR). We made a submission with the University of Nottingham Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC), as part of the ACRISL project, focusing on children’s rights.

Read, EnglishChild Rights International Network5 February 2024Climate crisis, EnvironmentComment

Open letter from CRIN’s Climate Advisers to COP28 delegates

The words below come from CRIN’s Climate Advisers - ten individuals under 18 who advise CRIN on its work on children’s right to a safe, healthy and sustainable environment. Like CRIN, they believe the climate crisis is a children’s rights issue. COP 28 is a key opportunity to ensure that children’s rights are integrated in climate decisions - and that their voices are given the platform and respect that they deserve. We implore you to truly listen to and respond to children’s voices and perspectives - they have rights, they care and their passion and knowledge can push us all to make strong and rights-respecting decisions at this critical time.

English, ReadChild Rights International Network8 December 2023Climate crisis, Environment, Access to justiceComment

#CeasefireNow: CRIN joins over 500 organisations calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Israel

CRIN and over 500 organisations have joined an open call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Israel to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and further loss of innocent lives.

Read, EnglishBenedict Lombe20 October 2023Toxics, EnvironmentComment

No more harmful chemicals in toys: an EU regulation to better uphold children’s rights

Across the EU dangerous chemicals in toys put children at risk because corporate interests are placed above children’s wellbeing. This could be about to change as the EU reform toy safety laws. We explain how decision makers can ensure that the new laws put children’s rights first.

Read, EnglishDaniela Kazuko Muenzel17 October 2023Toxics, EnvironmentComment

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