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Sherrard Conversation | Climate Change as a Human Rights challenge: the rise of the human rights-based climate change litigation

Monday 6th of March 2023 17:45

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Location

Sherrard Room

Timings

17:45 ~ Doors Open
18:15 ~ Lecture
19:15 ~ Reception

Expected to end at approx. 20:30

Event Details

Speakers: Paul Powlesland and Irene Antonopoulos

In September 2022, the Human Rights Committee decided that Australia was violating the rights of Torres Strait Australian islanders, due to the lack of decisive climate action and lack of support to the islanders to adapt to the severe effects of climate change. Challenging states’ inaction or lack of ambitious action against climate change via the use of human rights language has been observed in cases before national and regional human rights courts as well as international bodies’ decisions. This session will examine relevant legal judgments to determine whether human rights courts are the optimal recourse for addressing climate change, and whether human rights language is fit for this purpose. 

Not every aspect of these large themes can be covered in a single session, but the aim will be to get people thinking about the basic questions they raise if they haven’t already, or to add to their thinking if they have, in an informal setting involving as many people as possible at all levels.


Students and transferring lawyers need to attend the whole event including the reception in order to claim a Qualifying Session. 

Who can Attend

This event is for members only.

Dietary Requirements

Qualifying Session Details

Click here to see details of the QS Requirements and how to be credited with the QS for this session

Learning Outcomes:

After this session, students should be able to:

  • Describe the decision of the Human Rights committee regarding Australia and the rights of Torres Strait Islanders
  • Examine relevant legal judgments to determine whether human rights courts are the optimal recourse for addressing climate change,
  • Assess whether human rights language is fit for purpose

Links to the Professional Statement, wider workings of the Bar, administration of justice or a public interest matter

  • 1.4, 1.5

Click here to view the BSB's Professional Statement

QS Feedback

If you have any feedback on a QS you have attended or have any suggestions for future sessions, please contact the education department on education@middletemple.org.uk

Bookings and Cancellations

Members of the Inn can buy tickets online by clicking ‘Add to Cart’.  Please note that you must log in to book (if you have not yet created a log-in please register first).  Alternatively you can buy tickets from the Treasury Office by calling 020 7427 4800.

Unless the event sells out earlier, booking will close at 09:00 two working days before the event.

Cancellations:

Where we have a waiting list we will offer your ticket to someone else, so please do cancel your ticket if you are no longer able to attend by emailing education@middletemple.org.uk

Click here to view our Bookings and Cancellation Policies

Disabled Access and Support

If you have questions about accessibility at the Inn or if you would like to request support, please email Laura Hacon.

The Inn is committed to improving access to all its services and encourages members to get in touch with suggestions and feedback on how we can improve. If you feel your experience using the website or attending one of our events could be improved, please email Laura. Your suggestions will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Data Protection & Photography

Please be aware that photography, audio and video recording may take place at our events. These may be used for promotional purposes by the Inn, including in printed publications, on our website, and on our social media accounts. If you do not wish to have your photograph taken or to have images of you used, please alert the EducationTeam at the start of the event. We are unable to guarantee that you will not be included in the background of photographs that are being taken. Contact: 020 7427 4800, education@middletemple.org.uk

All personal data that the Inn stores and processes is held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Inn’s Data Protection Policy. You can ask the Inn to stop using your images at any time, or request to see the personal data that the Inn holds on you. For more information please visit the Data Protection page http://www.middletemple.org.uk/about-us/data-protection

Times and details for this event are subject to change. Please check this webpage for the most up to date information.