At COP29, the Vatican has allied with several nations to obstruct discussions around women’s rights, blocking financial support aimed at aiding women impacted by climate change. Countries like Colombia express concern over stalled negotiations as the U.N. struggles to adapt an action plan acknowledging the disproportionate effects of climate change on women.
At the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, the Vatican has found itself at the center of a controversy regarding women’s rights discussions. It has allied with several nations, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, and Egypt, to block provisions aimed at enhancing support for women affected by climate change. This opposition comes amidst a push for a renewed UN action plan that would broaden support for women, who constitute approximately 80% of those displaced by climate-related issues, according to estimates from the United Nations. The suggested updates to a decade-old framework, known as the Lima Work Programme on Gender, aimed to better integrate women’s experiences and responses to climate change in funding and initiatives. Notably, countries such as Colombia have expressed strong disappointment over the deadlock, emphasizing the urgent need for a deal that recognizes women’s critical role in addressing climate challenges. Susana Muhamad, the environment minister of Colombia, voiced her concerns, stating, “It is unacceptable” that progress has stalled due to these interventions. A significant point of contention has emerged regarding language related to gender. The Vatican and its allied nations demand the removal of the term “gender” from the discussions, fearing it may imply recognition of transgender identities and rights of gay women. Charitable organizations have lamented this shift, with calls for inclusivity within climate action plans becoming increasingly urgent as women disproportionately bear the brunt of climate change.
The ongoing debate at COP29 reflects broader global trends regarding gender and LGBTQ+ rights, revealing a resurgence of resistance to established rights frameworks. Concerns over gender inclusion in international climate negotiations highlight the intersection of climate change and social justice, particularly for marginalized groups. Women are recognized globally for experiencing unique vulnerabilities related to climate crises, as they often lack equal access to resources and decision-making power, jeopardizing their ability to adapt and thrive in a changing environment. As discussions continue, the representation of women in decision-making processes remains critical to shaping effective climate policies that respect and uphold human rights.
The dispute at COP29 underscores the complexities of integrating gender rights within international climate policy frameworks. With significant representation gaps and ideological divisions, the potential for fostering inclusive solutions for women facing climate change is increasingly at risk. As the conference approaches conclusion, stakeholders must navigate these tensions to ensure that progressive measures for gender-responsive climate action are not lost amidst broader challenges to human rights.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
