This workshop will explore pressing questions about community’s expectations on the role of human rights in preventing environmental triggers from escalating into conflict. By examining the lessons learned from Geneva's role in peacebuilding, where the Second International Conference on Environmental Peacebuilding took place in 2022, and considering the potential of human rights, especially those related to the environment, as a tool for conflict prevention, this workshop aims to foster an in-depth discussion on how human rights can contribute to a more peaceful future. 

The interconnection between human rights, environmental degradation, and violent conflict is becoming an increasingly pressing issue for global governance. When fundamental environmental-related human rights, such as food and water, are compromised, the consequences can lead to social tensions and even armed conflict. For instance, failure to uphold the right to food during droughts can exacerbate food insecurity in communities, intensify competition for limited resources, and potentially trigger violent conflicts. This pattern has been observed in regions of Africa and the Middle East, where resource scarcity has fueled tensions and clashes.  Key questions arise in this context: what does the community expect from human rights in preventing environmental triggers of conflicts? How could these expectations shape the design of conflict prevention strategies? 

Speakers

The workshop will begin with kick-off speakers, each presenting for 3-5 minutes, offering key insights on the topic. Following these brief presentations, the floor will be open for all participants to contribute their perspectives, fostering a dynamic and inclusive discussion. Potential kick-off speakers/participants 

• Dr. Annyssa Bellal, Executive Director, Geneva Peacebuilding Platform
• Balsiger Jörg, Associate Professor at the Department of Geography and Environment (Geneva School of Social Sciences) and the Institute for Environmental Sciences
• Romina Edith Pezzot, PhD Candidate in International Law, Geneva Graduate Institute 
• Diana D. Rizzolio, Coordinator, Geneva Environment Network, UNEP 
• Nickolai Denisov, Deputy Director - Zoï Environment Network (TBC)  

Moderator

• Yves Lador, Representative of Earthjustice to the United Nations in Geneva 

Main Organizer

• The Geneva Human Rights Platform

Co-Organizers

• Geneva Peacebuilding Platform 
• Geneva Environment Network 
• Earthjustice