United Nations Special Rapporteur to Visit Dominica

Introduction

For the first time, a United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change will visit Dominica, as part of a weeklong mission to examine the social and human toll of climate impacts on the island nation.

Dr. Elisa Morgera, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in 2022, will visit Dominica from May 7 to 14, 2025, at the invitation of the Government. Her mission aims to assess how climate change is affecting Dominicans’ human rights and how effectively international climate cooperation, financing, and technical assistance are supporting national resilience efforts.

According to a statement from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Morgera will meet with government officials, civil society representatives, and communities affected by climate-related disasters and environmental shifts. These consultations will take place in Roseau and across various regions of the country.

Mission Objectives

The Special Rapporteur will also explore the extent to which human rights-based approaches — including gender-sensitive and intersectional perspectives — are being incorporated into Dominica’s adaptation policies and responses to climate-related loss and damage.

A press conference presenting her preliminary findings and recommendations is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on May 14 at the Fort Young Hotel in Roseau. Attendance will be limited to accredited journalists.

Report and Recommendations

Morgera’s full report on the Dominica mission will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2026, contributing to global discussions on climate justice and the protection of vulnerable populations in small island developing states.

Dominica, which has positioned itself as the world’s first climate-resilient nation following the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017, continues to face existential threats from increasingly intense storms and rising sea levels.

Conclusion

The visit of the United Nations Special Rapporteur to Dominica marks an important step in addressing the human rights implications of climate change on the island nation. The mission’s findings and recommendations are expected to inform global discussions on climate justice and support Dominica’s efforts to build resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the United Nations Special Rapporteur’s visit to Dominica?

A: The visit aims to examine the social and human toll of climate impacts on the island nation and assess how climate change is affecting Dominicans’ human rights.

Q: When will the Special Rapporteur’s report be presented to the UN Human Rights Council?

A: The report will be presented in June 2026.

Q: What are the key objectives of the mission?

A: The mission objectives include assessing the impact of climate change on human rights, exploring the incorporation of human rights-based approaches into adaptation policies, and presenting preliminary findings and recommendations.