A recent MIndS graduate, Jacqueline Fa’amatuainu, will be furthering her
studies towards a PhD majoring in Development Studies at the University of
Auckland (effective start date, March 2013). The nature of her research
area will look at how Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Pacific
region conceptualise climate change from a human rights perspective.
The question of whether climate change implicates human rights law has
developed in the context of justifying environmental harms at an
international scale. This issue draws attention to the intrinsic
connection between environmental protection and the wide spectrum of human
rights. After all, examining climate change through a human rights lens
will offer a framework for analysing government contributions to climate
change. As a legal matter, a human rights approach can hold government
states accountable.
Jacqui is also interested in identifying how to interpret and apply the
Principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (PCDR) in the
creation of effective climate change law and human rights policy for the
Pacific region. Such questions will explore the Principles of Justice
(PoJ) relevant to this interpretation alongside the application of the
PCDR and how the PoJ can support the sustainable development agenda
between states as a way to manage the risks posed by climate change in the
Pacific region. The gap, she seeks to fill in this research is a
chronicle of Climate Law and Policy which applies the PCDR and tentative
sustainable development policy guidelines in the Pacific region.
We wish Jacqui success in her further post-graduate study.
