The Vatican has formed an alliance with several countries at COP29 to obstruct discussions aimed at enhancing women’s rights in relation to climate change. These actions have impeded the progress of the Lima Work Programme on Gender, which seeks to ensure women’s experiences are considered in climate actions. Colombia’s Environment Minister criticized the blockade as unacceptable, emphasizing the dire need for a concerted effort to support women disproportionately affected by climate change.
The ongoing COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan has been marked by a contentious dispute involving the Vatican and several other nations over language concerning gender rights. Reports indicate that representatives from the Vatican have allied with countries such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, and Egypt in blocking conversations aimed at supporting women disproportionately affected by climate change. Colombia’s Environment Minister, Susana Muhamad, emphasized the importance of progressing women’s rights amidst climate challenges and criticized the hindrance of discussions regarding gender rights. This deadlock arises as countries work to update the Lima Work Programme on Gender, a ten-year initiative that aims to integrate women’s experiences and support into climate action. However, objections centered on the terminology of “gender” have stalled negotiations, with concerns that it may imply recognition of transgender women, as well as the exclusion of references to gay women. Such a stance contradicts the extensive acknowledgment of women’s unique challenges associated with climate change, as outlined by various NGOs. The failure to advance these discussions has significant implications, considering that UN estimates indicate that women and girls represent approximately 80% of individuals displaced by climate change. Current UN research suggests that the climate crisis disproportionately impacts women, leading to increased food insecurity and hindered access to essential services. As time is running out with only a few days remaining in the conference, the prospects for women’s rights in climate negotiations appear grim, prompting calls for more inclusive and equitable representation. In contrast to the Vatican’s recent stance, Pope Francis has previously shown a willingness to embrace more progressive views, allowing blessings for same-sex couples under certain conditions. Nevertheless, the Vatican maintains a traditional view of marriage and others within the conference are urging for an expansive approach to recognizing the diversity of women’s experiences.
The dispute at COP29 over gender rights highlights a continuing struggle to integrate women’s issues within global climate initiatives. As climate change disproportionately affects women, the need for targeted support and a comprehensive understanding of their unique challenges has gained recognition over the years. The Lima Work Programme on Gender seeks to address these disparities. However, efforts to include broader definitions of gender, which recognize the experiences of transgender and gay women, have faced resistance from certain countries, including traditionalist religious views that uphold a more restrictive definition of gender roles.
The deadlock at COP29 regarding gender language underscores a broader global pushback against women’s and LGBTQ+ rights amidst ongoing climate challenges. These stalled negotiations pose a significant risk to tailored support for women affected by climate change, as historical efforts to secure their rights in climate discourse may be compromised. Urgent action is needed to ensure women’s voices are adequately represented and their specific challenges acknowledged in the face of a climate crisis that disproportionately affects them.
Original Source: www.bbc.com