As Türkiye prepares to host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change​ next year,Amnesty International is ⁢calling on the nation to ⁣adopt more ambitious and transparent⁣ climate policies. Marta Schaaf,Amnesty International’s Program Director for ⁤Climate justice,emphasized the ​need for decisive action aligned⁢ with international obligations,particularly those⁤ affirmed by the International Court of⁣ Justice (ICJ) this‌ year.

Schaaf stated that Türkiye must establish and implement greenhouse ⁢gas ​emissions reduction‌ targets consistent with the⁢ collective goal of limiting global warming to below 1.5°C.She also stressed ⁢the importance⁢ of a “full, fast, fair⁤ and funded fossil fuel phase out” through ‍a just‌ transition⁢ that protects human rights and​ leaves no one behind.

Türkiye must respect, protect ⁤and facilitate the ⁢work of environmental human rights defenders, and guarantee the ​rights ​to⁤ freedom of expression and​ to peaceful protest ⁤so that those advocating for climate justice ‌can freely participate‌ in ‌shaping climate policies before, ⁤during and after COP31.

Marta Schaaf, amnesty International’s Programme Director for climate justice

Schaaf further highlighted the critical need to protect environmental human rights defenders and ensure their ability to freely advocate for ⁣climate justice throughout the COP31 process.

Background

Türkiye will⁢ host COP31, the annual‌ United Nations climate summit, following an agreement with⁣ Australia announced November 22, 2023, by anadolu ​Agency. However, the Climate Action Tracker currently rates Türkiye’s climate policies and⁣ targets as “highly insufficient” to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C temperature goal.