The Centre for Child Law hosted a hybrid symposium on Children’s Rights and Climate Justice in South Africa at the Fire and Ice Protea Hotel in Menlyn on 18 November, with a focus on the impact of air pollution on children. The purpose of the symposium was to unpack and engage with children's environmental rights and the impact of coal-related air pollution in South Africa. The Centre had commissioned a research report that focused on the impact of coal-related air pollution on children’s health and well-being; the intersection of climate change, air pollution, and coal production and other rights. The applicable international, regional and domestic framework within which to address the identified issues, such as the consequences of climate change on children’s health was addressed in the draft report and vigorously unpacked at the symposium. A final report will be launched in 2023.

The symposium was attended by academics, practitioners, researchers, and grassroots activists from mining-affected communities across South Africa.  The discussions were robust and linked the law with real-life challenges and experiences that affect children’s daily lives in so far as exposure to environmental harm is concerned. The need for further research to support advocacy and litigation efforts was emphasized as one of the areas that need attention. Importantly, youth activists highlighted the role of children as the most affected and vulnerable group to climate change, and the need to include children and youth in decision-making processes.

In this regard, the Centre indicated that the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (“the UNCRC”) has requested comments from children on its first draft of General Comment 26 on Child Rights, Environment, and Climate Change. This is an opportunity that must be used to create further awareness of the issue and to bring about tangible interventions and solutions at an international level.

The Centre intends to organise a children’s consultation workshop to create a space to allow children to participate meaningfully and to contribute to the draft General Comment to be sent to the UNCRC. This engagement will also be informed by the findings and recommendations of the final research report and key discussions during the symposium.