ECOWAS Conference Calls for Human Rights Approach to Climate
Change 17 September 2009: The Regional Conference on Protection
Challenges to Climate Change in West Africa, held from 14-16
September 2009, in Lomé, Togo, called for broader consideration
of the social impacts of climate change through a human rights-
based approach. The meeting released the “Lomé Declaration on
Climate Change and Protection of Civilians in West Africa,”
calling for broader consideration of the social impacts of
climate change through a human rights-based approach, and
considering the growing negative impact of climate change on the
stability of the region, including the human security and
citizens' rights. Participants highlighted conflicts arising
from natural resource depletion and the infringement of
displaced people's rights. They also recommended establishment
of a special fund to help address climate change-induced impacts
on affected parts of the population; called for measures to
protect climate-affected persons; and agree