The international community is facing a global loss of biological diversity on a scale unprecedented in human history. The biodiversity crisis is also a crisis of human rights. The loss of biodiversity undermines the ability of everyone, everywhere, to enjoy their human rights, but it is especially disastrous for the Indigenous Peoples and others who depend most directly on natural ecosystems for their material, cultural, and spiritual well-being. To be successful, efforts to conserve nature must recognize the rights and contributions of those whose ways of life contribute to its protection. In particular, the rights and methods of managing and conserving nature of Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant and other tribal communities, and peasants should be prioritized.
From 2022 to 2024, the United Nations Environment Programme oversaw a multistakeholder process to clarify how existing human rights norms and standards apply to private conservation organizations and funders. The process resulted in the Core Human Rights Principles for Private Conservation Organizations and Funders. The principles were the subject of extensive consultations with rightsholders, including Indigenous Peoples, rights-based organizations, experts, private conservation organizations, and funders. Rather than creating new rights or duties, or superseding existing norms and standards, the principles reflect and clarify the existing human rights norms and standards applicable to conservation. Overall, adherence to these principles fosters a more responsible, rights-based and gender-inclusive approach to conservation, which ultimately benefits all of us who share this beautiful planet.
The 10 Core Human Rights Principles for Private Conservation Organizations and Funders:
- Principle One: Respect Human Rights
- Principle Two: Respect the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Principle Three: Respect the Rights of All Communities, Groups, and Individuals
- Principle Four: Undertake Human Rights Due Diligence
- Principle Five: Engage in Good Faith Consultation
- Principle Six: Prevent Human Rights Abuses
- Principle Seven: Provide for Effective Remedies
- Principle Eight: Protect Against Human Rights Violations and Abuses in Relationships
- Principle Nine: Protect Against Human Rights Violations in Law Enforcement
- Principle Ten: Report Regularly on Human Rights
