Human Rights and Peacebuilding: Towards Socio-Environmental Sustainability

Human rights and peacebuilding are intrinsically linked. The promotion and protection of human rights have provided the foundation for rebuilding just and peaceful environments in which more inclusive and resilient societies can thrive, whilst also seeking to protect nature. It demands ensuring the empowerment and active participation in decision-making of different groups and communities: women, indigenous peoples, ethnic and minority groups, local leaders, sexual and gender minorities, people with disabilities, refugees and displaced people, amongst other groups. However, these processes have faced a range of risks, ranging from environmental challenges caused by climate change and State responses to migration, to active armed conflicts and restrictions on civil, economic, political, cultural and social rights and freedoms. Recent studies analyse different sustainable socio-environmental initiatives around the world, particularly in the Global South, where the quest for social and environmental justice continues, whilst fostering conditions for reconciliation, peace and dignity.

There are numerous areas where human rights and peacebuilding intersect; however, this session addresses key themes focusing on women's rights, youth, minorities and climate change. The session examines different approaches to human rights and peacebuilding that have been developed in response to the challenges of achieving socio-environmental sustainability in contexts severely affected by violence, conflict and environmental change. It also welcomes contributions that bring together different communities, grassroots organisations, human rights actors, activists, peacebuilders, institutions and international cooperation. The aim of this session is to provide a unique space for debate in which to explore empirical, conceptual and practical contributions on these issues.