A fast, fair, and just transition is critical to securing the climate system, protecting the human rights of present and future generations, and moving from an extractive to a regenerative economy, which prioritizes planetary and human health over financial gains. It requires that the transition from fossil fuels to renewables is done in a rights-respecting way, and the extraction of transition minerals does not harm the rights of frontline communities, including Indigenous Peoples. It also requires that those responsible for violations are held accountable, and victims of wrongs have access to justice, compensation, and reparations.

Climate Rights International provided a submission to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ (OHCHR) on the impacts of the drive to source transition minerals – e.g., nickel, lithium, cobalt, and copper – on human rights, as well as steps that can be taken to protect the human rights of people at the frontlines of mining and mineral processing. The transition to renewable energy is essential, but strong government regulation and oversight is necessary to ensure that the growing transition mineral industry and related supply chains do not replicate the appalling labor and environmental practices that have long characterized extractive industries around the globe.

For more information about how to secure human rights in the renewable energy transition and to see our recommendations for greater government and corporate accountability, see the full submission here. To learn more about the consequences of bad mining practices and weak government oversight, see our report, “Nickel Unearthed.”