NATIONAL INQUIRY ON CLIMATE CHANGE (NICC)

The CHR’s National Inquiry on Climate Change examines the impact of climate change on the human rights of Filipinos. This landmark initiative gathers testimonies, scientific evidence, and expert insights to hold accountable those responsible for climate-related harm. Explore the public hearings, findings, transcripts, and exhibits that document this historic inquiry into environmental justice and corporate accountability.

Examining the human face of the climate crisis. Learn more about CHR’s landmark inquiry into the human rights impacts of climate change, including key findings, public hearings, and actions toward climate accountability and justice.

A petition was filed with the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines seeking to establish how climate change is related to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters and how human rights of the Filipinos are affected by them.

First of its kind

The case is novel in its attempt to haul “carbon majors” in one “global petition” involving human rights. It seeks to promote, as well, the notion that businesses have an obligation to respect human rights, as enunciated under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Impacts of Climate Change

For the past two decades, the Philippines has been identified by the Global Climate Risk Index (GCRI) as among the top ten (10) countries most affected by climate risks.

The project

Due to the significance of the Petition, the CHRP formed the National Inquiry on Climate Change (NICC) Project to ensure the conduct of a successful inquiry.

Objectives

1.Inform the Commission on the science behind climate change and other related phenomena, such

2. Determine if climate change has an effect on Filipinos’ fundamental human rights.

3. Assess the Philippine government’s compliance with International Treaty obligations, especially those relating to environmental protection and climate change.

4. Make policy recommendations to policy makers and administrators, as may be warranted by its findings.

NICC Hearings

Resources and reference

NICC – Resources

Documenting the journey for climate justice.
Access official transcripts of stenographic notes from the NICC-CHR-PH’s public hearings and view exhibits presented during the inquiry. These resources reflect the testimonies, evidence, and findings that shaped the CHR’s climate-related human rights work.

NICC – Press Statements & Articles

Voices, views, and developments in climate accountability.
Read official press statements and published articles related to the NICC. Stay updated on key messages, media coverage, and insights from the Commission’s ongoing efforts to address climate change as a human rights issue.