Ian Fry

The episode, exploring the topic of climate change and human rights, is the second in the rights body’s new Shared Goals series, which began in August with an episode focused on children’s rights.

Mr Fry is an international environmental law and policy expert and has previously worked for the Tuvalu government for 21 years including as the ambassador for climate change and environment.

He was appointed as the first UN special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change by the United Nations General Assembly in May 2022.

During the interview, Mr Fry discusses the link between climate change and human rights, and the impact it is having on rights around the world, including observations from his recent country visit to Bangladesh. He also reflects on climate justice issues; displacement of people due to climate change; and the progress and challenges of climate action.

Mr Fry said: “The human rights implications of climate change are undoubtedly the greatest challenge facing humanity today. Even for a place like Northern Ireland, climate change will affect the lives of everyone, whether it be cost of food, energy or more severe weather events.

“People in the most effected part of the world are migrating from the impacts of climate change. This global migration movement of climate change ‘refugees’ will only grow and create significant security tensions around the world.”

Alyson Kilpatrick, chief commissioner of NIHRC, said: “We are delighted to have Ian Fry on the podcast to discuss the topic of climate change and human rights. Climate change has had and will continue to have negative effects on a wide range of rights. We are grateful to Mr. Fry for joining us and sharing his expertise on this important topic.”

To listen to the podcast, click here or search for Shared Goals wherever you listen to your podcasts.