Benyam Dawit Mezmur is a Professor of Law at the University of the Western Cape and a member (and former Chairperson) of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Image: SuppliedIn Africa, the consequences of climate change are increasingly affecting children's rights, especially the rights of those in vulnerable situations such as children with disabilities and indigenous children.
“School closures because of climatic events are becoming more frequent and intense,” said Benyam Dawit Mezmur, Professor of Law at the University of the Western Cape and a member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. “And more places that did not experience malaria and dengue fever are starting to do so because of climate change. Malaria remains the leading killer of children in Africa.”
For him, the importance of conversations about children’s rights and climate change are not really so much about the future as they are of the present.
Mezmur will participate in a panel hosted by the University of Cape Town, focused on the role of research and teaching for climate justice.
He emphasizes the importance of educating both children and adults, as education is a powerful tool for advancing human rights-based action on climate change.
“Teaching children is an important solution multiplier in that children that are educated about climate change and human rights can be more active agents of change,” Mezmur said. “They can protect themselves, others and the environment better. Teaching adults is also a good way to “make the circle bigger” and get more people involved in the conversation and action.”
Mezmur highlights that research continues to play a critical role in driving human rights-based climate action, especially for those that are in more vulnerable situations, so that everyone is well informed and up to date with the most relevant information.
*This piece is part of a longer article that was first published on 30 May 2025 on the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner’s website, available, here
