Event information

20 September 2023, 18:00-19:30

Downloads

Flyer >

Peasants’, Rural Workers’ and Other Rural Peoples’ Key Role in Safeguarding the Environment

Event

The Triple Planetary Crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution - is threatening the survival and life in dignity of present and future generations in their intrinsic relationship with nature.

Peasants, fishers, pastoralists, forest-dependent people, nomadic people, agricultural workers, rural women, and other rural communities who rely on land, water and other natural resources for their survival are the most affected by the consequences of the climate crisis, the destruction of ecosystems, as well as by the false solutions that are promoted to address some of the climate-related impacts. At the same time, peasants and other people working in rural areas play a key role in conserving biodiversity, fighting environmental degradation and ensuring the right to adequate food for all.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants (UNDROP) plays a pivotal role in recognizing the special relationship of small-scale food producers and their contribution to improving biodiversity and protecting the climate and environment.

During this event – co-organized with FIAN International, La Via Campesina, CETIM and with the support of the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung –, right-holders from affected communities will give testimonies on the impacts of environmental destruction on their communities, talk about their ongoing struggles and challenges, and propose solutions to multiple crises.

Moderation

  • Ana María Suárez Franco, FIAN International

Panelists

  • Sibylle Dirren, FIAN International
  • Micherline Islanda Aduel, La Via Campesina
  • Claudia Pineda, FIAN Honduras
  • Alex Naranjo, FIAN Ecuador
  • Marcos Orellana, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights
  • Ben Schachter, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (TBC)

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

environment News

New Research Brief examines the implementation and global impact of the UNGA Environment Resolution

12 December 2024

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new Research Brief examining the implementation and global impact of the UNGA Resolution recognizing the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

Read more

News

New publications outline concrete recommendations to implement the right to food in Geneva

9 December 2024

The Geneva Academy has released one briefing in French and four research briefs in French, English, German, and Italian on the right to food in Geneva.

Read more

Open dump Training

Protecting Human Rights and the Environment

15-19 September 2025

Participants in this training course will gain practical insights into UN human rights mechanisms and their role in environmental protection and learn about how to address the interplay between international human rights and environmental law, and explore environmental litigation paths.

Read more

Training

Human Rights and the Environment: Introducing Legal Regimes and Key Issues

1-8 September 2025

Participants in this training course will be introduced to the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as international environmental law and its implementation and enforcement mechanisms.

Read more

Plastic pollution on an Italian shore Project

Unpacking the Human Right to a Healthy Environment: Definition, Implementation and Impact

Started in January 2022

This research aims at mainstreaming the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and the protection it affords in the work of the UN Human Rights Council, its Special Procedures and Universal Periodic Review, as well as in the work of the UN General Assembly and UN treaty bodies.

Read more

Wheat field Project

The Right to Seeds in Europe

Started in January 2018

The project will notably identify the main opportunities and obstacles to protect the right to seeds in Europe. It will also discuss how to promote changes in European laws, policies and trade agreements to ensure that they do not infringe, but facilitate the realization of peasants’ right to seeds.

Read more

Cover of the publication Publication

Research Brief - The United Nations Working Group on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas

published on December 2024

Christophe Golay

Read more

Cover of the publication Publication

Research Brief - Le groupe de travail des Nations Unies sur les droits des paysan.nes et des autres personnes travaillant dans les zones rurales

published on December 2024

Christophe Golay

Read more