Reacting to rulings today by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) on three landmark climate cases, involving older Swiss women, six young Portuguese people, and a former French mayor and member of the European Parliament, Mandi Mudarikwa, Amnesty International's Head of Strategic Litigation, said:

"The ECtHR has set a vital and historic precedent today with its ruling in the case involving the Swiss women by finding that the Swiss government had failed to comply with its duties under the European Convention concerning climate change, including failing to set clear limits on greenhouse gas emissions and not meeting its past greenhouse gas emission reduction targets."

"The determination and tenacity of the applicants in all three cases seeking climate justice through courts was both remarkable and encouraging. We especially recognize the courage of the young people involved as they looked to protect not only their future but the future of generations to come.

"The Swiss case ruling strengthens legal pathways to achieving climate justice through the ECtHR. It is hugely significant that the ECtHR recognized the harm caused to the applicants by climate change and that the Swiss government was doing too little to curb greenhouse gas emissions and adequately protect them.

"The ECtHR's ruling sends a powerful message to policymakers in European countries that states must intensify their efforts to combat climate change. We note that the decisions of the ECtHR to dismiss the other two other climate-related cases was based on procedural considerations, rather than on the respective merits of each case. 

"Strategic litigation can help to deliver climate justice and protect the rights of billions from global warming, especially the most marginalized, and will yield benefits – as we have witnessed today with the Swiss case." 

Background 

The ECtHR ruled on three climate cases. In Klimaseniorinnen Schweiz and Others v Switzerland, a group representing more than 2,500 older Swiss women argued that their government's failure to adequately mitigate global warming violated their human rights to health and life and puts them at risk of dying during heatwaves.

In Duarte Agostinho and Others v Portugal and 31 Other States six young Portuguese people argued that countries bound by the European Convention on Human Rights — the 27 EU states, as well as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Russia and Turkey — had infringed several human rights after heatwaves and forest fires closed down their schools and risked their health. Amnesty International submitted a joint third-party intervention in the case on the obligation on governments to create climate policies which protect the rights of people outside their borders.

In the third case, Damien Carême, a former mayor of Grande-Synthe, a suburb of Dunkirk in northern France, argued that the French government has neglected its obligation to protect life by failing to take sufficient steps to prevent climate change and therefore heightening the risk of future flooding in the area. 

The right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment was universally recognized by the UN General Assembly in 2022. Amnesty International is part of a coalition calling for the adoption of an additional protocol on the right to the European Convention on Human Rights which would help reinforce and clarify the ECtHR's jurisprudence on environmental protection, including climate change. 

South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) officially reopened their borders, igniting hopes for economic prosperity and enhanced cooperation between the two nations.

On Tuesday, the governor of Western Equatoria State, Alfred Futuyo, and the representative of the Congolese government, Anza Tepe Danga, said the inauguration symbolised a strong commitment to bolstering trade relations and stimulating economic growth. 

Both officials underscored the significance of this historic move in fostering bilateral ties and unlocking opportunities for businesses and citizens alike.

Futuyo outlined ambitious plans for collaborative infrastructure projects, particularly focusing on improving road connectivity between South Sudan and the DRC.

He recognised the pivotal role of robust infrastructure in facilitating trade and mobility, the agreement to open the border heralds a new era of economic cooperation and mutual benefit. 

The atmosphere at the border inauguration was one of jubilation and optimism, with thousands of citizens from both nations in attendance to witness the historic occasion, amidst cheers and celebrations.

It symbolised not only the physical opening of borders but also the opening of doors to boundless possibilities for growth and development. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant turning point in the diplomatic relations between South Sudan and the DRC, laying a solid foundation for future collaborations and regional stability.

As the borders between these neighbouring nations dissolve, trade barriers are dismantled, paving the way for increased commerce, investment, and socio-economic advancement. With the border now open, businesses on both sides stand to benefit from expanded market access and streamlined trade processes. Moreover, citizens are poised to reap the rewards of increased cross-border interactions, cultural exchanges, and opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. 

As South Sudan and the DRC embark on this journey of partnership and cooperation, the ripple effects of this historic moment are expected to resonate far beyond their borders. The vision of a more interconnected, prosperous Africa is inching closer to reality, propelled by the spirit of collaboration and mutual prosperity exemplified by this monumental border opening.

The ceremonious event was held on Tuesday, April 16, at the Nabiapai border in the DR. Congo and the Gangura border in South Sudan. By Emmanuel Mandela, City Review

IEA News

Navigating the impact of artificial intelligence and hybrid work models will be the top challenges affecting the role of HR professionals in 2024. These were the main points emerging from the HR Connect event held today, hosted by SAP at the Maslow Hotel in Johannesburg.

Kholiwe Makhohliso, Managing Director for Southern Africa at SAP, says business and HR leaders are grappling with the complexities of a new world of work shaped by hybrid models and the impact of intelligent technologies.

"The ongoing impact of flexible hybrid work environments continue to place pressure on businesses to prioritise employee wellbeing and ensure employees are supported as they navigate the complexities of modern work. And with the expected impact of artificial intelligence on every sphere of work and life over the coming months and years, leaders must ensure they balance their innovation efforts with the needs of the employees that will drive the success of their organisations during this uncertain period."

A survey of HR leaders and more than 1300 employees worldwide conducted by SAP revealed that just over a third of organisations are taking a proactive approach toward adopting intelligent technologies such as AI. The most common applications of such technologies in HR range from recruiting to learning and employee engagement.

However, research conducted by IDC found that understanding where and how to implement intelligent technologies such as AI is one of the top ten challenges HR professionals grapple with today.

According to Shiraz Khota, Head of SuccessFactors at SAP EMEA South, AI is revolutionising the HR sector by introducing positive disruptions that streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and improve employee experiences. "The impact of AI enables HR professionals to focus on the highest-value activities, including strategy and vision. By leveraging an optimal mix of technology and innovation, HR professionals can free up time spent on routine tasks and dedicate their focus on finding ways to improve the employee experience and deliver more value to the organisation."

One of the most important applications of AI in Human Capital Management is to enable data-driven decision-making. Modern AI analytics deliver insights to HR professionals that guide workforce planning, identifies skills gaps, and predicts employee turnover, allowing for more effective strategic decision-making. The technology also has exciting applications in mitigating bias to foster greater diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

The impact of AI can also be seen in various HR functions and tasks, with more use cases emerging on a near-daily basis. AI is being leveraged to automate CV screening, with chatbots deployed to manage initial engagements with candidates. This helps to reduce time-to-hire and delivers improved candidate experiences.

Khota says the predictive capabilities of AI play a crucial role in foreseeing and shaping workplace trends, ensuring businesses stay ahead in their talent management and retention efforts. "The integration of AI in HR is not just reshaping current practices but is a fundamental enabler for the future of work, where human expertise and technology collaborate to create more adaptable, innovative and thriving workplaces."