DHAKA: Bangladesh Foreign Minister A H Mahmood Ali, MP, called for a greater international support to the countries that are vulnerable to climate changes.

He made the call in a high-level panel discussion that was arranged in Geneva on March 6 on “Human Rights and Climate Change” focusing on realization of human rights for all.

Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to UN, Geneva of Switzerland issued a press release in this regard.

It said the Foreign Minister referred to “climate change” as the greatest environmental challenge undermining the effective and full enjoyment of human rights including right to food, right to life, right to adequate housing, safe water, and access to health and education.

He also identified developing countries, particularly LDCs, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) would face grave and disproportionate impact from climate change due to their limited capacities, and increased vulnerabilities.

He emphasized the need for greater international cooperation, as well as an international legal framework based on the principle of equity which reflects a just balance between rights and responsibilities of nations and communities.

He also named some of the national mitigation and adaptation initiatives of the Government including establishment of solar home system, improved cook stoves, and stress-tolerant crops varieties.

Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General, in a video message to the Council, said that it was time for climate action: the world must transform economies and harness the potential of a low-carbon future.
Among others, Anote Tong, President of Kiribati, Mary Robinson, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General attended the Panel.

The following delegations participated in the discussion: Sweden on behalf of the Nordic Group, Algeria on behalf of the African Group, the European Union, Philippines on behalf of Climate Vulnerable Forum, Bangladesh on behalf of the Like-Minded Group, Ecuador on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Holy See, Sierra Leone, India, Chile, Paraguay, El Salvador, the Maldives, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Namibia, France, Costa Rica, Fiji, Ghana, United States, Spain, Indonesia, Nepal, Morocco, Bolivia, Ireland, Estonia, Pakistan, Switzerland, and Iran.

The United Nations Children Fund and the United Nations Population Fund also spoke.

The national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations that took the floor were Scottish Human Rights Commission, Centre Europe – Tiers Monde, Lutheran World Federation (joint statement), Franciscans International in a joint statement, International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations, and Verein Sudwind Entwickslungpolitick.

BDST: 1743 HRS, MAR 07, 2015