COP29 Tensions Arise Between Vatican and Countries Over Women’s Rights

Tensions at COP29 arose over the Vatican’s obstruction of discussions on women’s rights connected to climate change support, as they joined forces with nations like Saudi Arabia and Russia. Colombia’s environment minister condemned this stalling, highlighting that women are disproportionally affected by climate impacts. The deadlock jeopardizes the urgent need for comprehensive initiatives to empower women in climate responses worldwide.

At the recent UN climate summit, COP29, tensions emerged between the Vatican and several nations regarding women’s rights, particularly in relation to gender identity and LGBTQ+ issues. The Vatican aligned with countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, and Egypt to impede negotiations that would advance support for women disproportionately affected by climate change. Colombia’s environment minister criticized this obstruction, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive agreement to address the climate crisis’s impact on women. Current UN data reveals that women and girls constitute approximately 80% of those displaced by climate change, marking the significance of this contention.

The Vatican has historically taken stances on social issues influenced by its doctrines, which recently have led to conflicts in broader international agendas, including climate discussions. COP29 aims to reassess a decade-old UN action plan focused on gender, reflecting how climate change uniquely affects women. The proposed updates involve acknowledging the diverse experiences of women based on various identities, which some member countries view as inclusive of transgender and LGBTQ+ rights, thereby creating friction among negotiating parties.

In summary, the discord at COP29 highlights the clash between advocacy for women’s rights in climate discussions and the opposing stances of several influential countries, including the Vatican. As negotiations continue, the potential for advancing gender-specific initiatives in climate response remains uncertain. This impasse poses a significant risk to the intended support for women in vulnerable positions due to climate change. Without agreement, a critical opportunity to address these disparities may be lost, perpetuating existing inequalities.

Original Source: www.bbc.com