How must the European Union and civil society prepare to uphold global norms and actions on human rights, humanitarian principles, and conflict prevention in a changing world?
To address this question, the Permanent Representation of Finland to the European Union will be hosting a conference on Friday 29 November 2019 in Brussels.
The climate crisis and armed conflict has been raised at the highest levels of the EU. However, there is a need for more substantive discussion between actors in the climate, human rights, humanitarian, and conflict prevention sectors about how to address the climate crisis as a threat multiplier for conflict and its prevention, and its impacts on human rights protection and humanitarian access. There must also be more discussion on how the climate crisis impacts existing global norms on conflict and civilian protection, such as International Humanitarian Law and even the laws of war.
This event aims to catalyze a discussion among EU stakeholders in Brussels – the institutions, member states, civil society – to better understand what questions need to be asked, and what aspects of conflict are most susceptible to climate and environmental-related impacts. Key to this discussion is to identify the political narratives and processes that can translate dialogue into concrete action.
There will be a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Philip Amaral (EU Director, Crisis Action), followed by a Q&A.
Guest speakers include:
- Mr. Richard Pearshouse, Head of Crisis and Environment, Amnesty International (via videoconference)
- Dr. Louise van Schaik, Head of Sustainability Research, Clingendael Institute
- Dr. Maria Guevara, Senior Operational Positioning and Advocacy Advisor, Médecins Sans Frontières
- Mr. Dominic Porter, Head of Division, Economic and global issues, EEAS
- Mr. René van Nes, Head of Division, Conflict prevention and mediation support, EEAS
For any questions, please contact: kati.temonen@formin.fi or laura.saarinen@formin.fi.
Registration for this event is now closed.
Photocredit: Flickr/futureatlas.com.