Abidjan, October 30, 2025 – Auditorium of the Prime Minister’s Office, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

An official ceremony was held in Abidjan for the presentation of the Nationally Determined Contribution (CDN 3.0) and the pre-departure event of the Ivorian delegation to COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
The event brought together government representatives, local authorities, academics, civil society organisations, private sector actors, and international partners.

It reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s determination to advance global climate goals and sustainable development.
Among the participants were members of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation), who actively support environmental protection, social solidarity, and human rights initiatives across the region.

The event was reported by Mr Vamara Fofana – IHRC Commissioner & Journalist (Côte d’Ivoire), representing the International Human Rights Commission during the ceremony.

An Integrated Approach to Climate Action

Following the welcoming remarks, speakers from key institutions and international organisations underlined Côte d’Ivoire’s integrated approach to climate governance and ecological transition.

Dr Éric Michel Assamoi, UNFCCC National Focal Point, presented the progress made in preparing Côte d’Ivoire’s participation at COP30.
He stressed the importance of ambition and tangible action, announcing that the national delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will operate a 100 m² national pavilion in Belém dedicated to climate and innovation projects.

Local Governments and the Private Sector as Pillars of CDN 3.0 Implementation

Mr. Gueu Dienot Gilles, Vice-President of ARDCI (San Pedro Zone), emphasised the need for coordinated local government action in implementing national climate policies.
He highlighted the public-private partnership model as a cornerstone of sustainable action and reaffirmed the commitment of local authorities to the national climate agenda.

Mr. Salah Ben Sedikh, Vice-President of UNEMAF and representative of the private sector (CGECI), underlined that private sector engagement must be concrete, measurable, and consistent with sustainability principles.
He called for the full implementation of Article 6.4 of the COP framework, ensuring the long-term credibility of international commitments, and urged collective mobilisation founded on responsibility and shared purpose.

Civil Society Engagement and Women’s Inclusion

Ms. Boussouf Bintou, representing civil society organisations (CSOs), praised the active participation of civil society and women in drafting the CDN 3.0 document.
She highlighted the integration of human rights and gender equality principles in the national strategy and advocated for fairer financial mechanisms between Northern and Southern countries, in line with global solidarity principles.

The Contribution of the International Community

Ms. Blerta Cela, UN Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, reminded participants that Africa accounts for only 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet suffers disproportionately from the effects of climate change.
She commended the country’s consistent progress since 2015 and described the CDN 3.0 as inclusive, transparent, and inspiring.
She also noted Côte d’Ivoire’s ambitious target to reduce emissions by 33.07% through domestic efforts and up to 74% with international support.

Partnerships with the European Union and Brazil

H.E. Ichard Razaaly, Ambassador of the European Union to Côte d’Ivoire, announced that the EU has invested €1.7 billion in low-carbon transitions and €150 million in reforestation initiatives.
He confirmed the forthcoming creation of a carbon market to reinforce green cooperation and commended Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership in climate diplomacy.

H.E. José Carlos de Araújo Leitão, Ambassador of Brazil, stated that COP30 will focus on human-centred policies, social protection, and the fight against hunger.
He indicated that Brazil’s declaration in Belém will centre on poverty reduction and international solidarity, reaffirming Brazil’s readiness to host the event in an ecological and symbolic spirit.

Three Strategic Pillars: Investment, Transparency, and Communication

Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition, Mr. Assouahoré, recalled that the CDN is revised every five years in line with international commitments.
He outlined the three strategic pillars of CDN 3.0:

• the Investment Plan,
• the Transparency Framework,
• and the Communication Strategy.

He emphasised that success will depend on the active participation of all national stakeholders – government, private sector, academia, and civil society.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, head of the Ivorian delegation to COP30, expressed confidence in the country’s preparations and praised the leadership of the Minister of Environment, reaffirming that the government will vigorously defend national climate priorities on the international stage.

A Shared Commitment to the Future

The ceremony concluded with the official handover of the CDN 3.0 document and a group photo with technical and financial partners, symbolising the shared responsibility for a resilient and sustainable future.
Côte d’Ivoire reaffirmed its readiness to play an active role at COP30, standing as a leading example of regional cooperation and sustainable transformation in West Africa.

Article prepared by:
Vamara Fofana – IHRC Commissioner & Journalist (Côte d’Ivoire)

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Aiming for 100,000 Saplings in Support of Climate Neutrality by 2050

Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka – 11 July 2025

IHRC and Sri Hela Foundation Unite for Environmental Action

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), in partnership with the Sri Hela Cultural Cooperation Foundation, has officially launched a large-scale tree planting initiative in Sri Lanka. The project, which commenced on 11 July 2025 in Diyahondawewa village, Kuruwita Divisional Secretariat, Ratnapura District, aims to plant 100,000 saplings as a concrete step toward combating climate change and fostering environmental stewardship. The initiative aligns with the European Climate Agreement’s target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Leadership and Community Engagement

The project operates under the direct supervision of Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake, Commissioner for Sri Lanka at the International Human Rights Commission. Titled “Let’s Plant a Sapling to Give the Future Generation a Breath,” the programme will gradually expand to other regions of Sri Lanka.
Mr. Anura Witarana, IHRC Zonal Coordinator, has been appointed Chairman of the project and will lead its day-to-day execution and community mobilisation.

“Human rights are not just a legal matter. The International Human Rights Commission stands for all human rights, and we are at the forefront of world peace and humanitarian missions. We will step forward and assist in such humanitarian missions at any moment.”
— Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake, Commissioner, IHRC Sri Lanka / Founder and Chairman, Sri Hela Cultural Cooperation Foundation

Broad Participation and Recognition

The launch event was attended by key figures, including Dr. Dissanayake (also Founder/Chairman/Director-General of the Sri Hela Cultural Foundation), the Divisional Secretary of Kuruwita, the Officer-in-Charge of Kuruwita Police, regional and zonal IHRC coordinators, volunteers, and representatives of Diyahondawewa village – including the Grama Niladhari, a development officer, farmer’s society officials, and local villagers.
Notable participants included: Mr. S. Prabakar, Mr. Anura Vitharana, Mr. Udara Rathnayake, Mr. Vihaga Deshapriya, Mrs. Nisansala Wijekoon, Mrs. Dilki Saumya, Mr. Sarath Kumara, and others.

As a mark of appreciation, all participants received official certificates signed by Prof. Rafael Wasik, Secretary of the International Human Rights Commission, and Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake.

A Commitment to Future Generations

This tree planting initiative reflects IHRC’s belief that environmental protection is a fundamental human right and a pillar of global peace and sustainable development. By engaging communities, authorities, and civil society, IHRC and the Sri Hela Cultural Foundation aim to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Reported by:

Anura Vitharana
Zonal Volunteer Coordinator – IHRC Sri Lanka

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Pilot Community Service Initiative Launches in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
June 12, 2025 – Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Community Service Initiative: Civic Responsibility in Action

In a vibrant demonstration of civic responsibility and grassroots mobilization, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Corporation in Nigeria has officially launched the pilot phase of its Community Service Initiative in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The inaugural event was confirmed by Comrade Sundrix Ogor, Coordinator of the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) Rivers State Chapter, following a comprehensive environmental sanitation and public awareness campaign across all 17 wards of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Environmental Sanitation and Public Awareness

The exercise targeted:

• Clearing blocked drainage systems
• Cleaning street roads
• Promoting public hygiene at local marketplaces

All activities were focused on instilling environmental consciousness and advancing sustainable urban living among the residents of Obio/Akpor. June has been officially designated by IHRC as Community Service Month in Nigeria, with the Port Harcourt event marking a key highlight of this national outreach.

Local Government Endorsement

Sir Dr. Clifford Ndu Walter (DSSRS), Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor LGA, through his representative, the LGA Environmental Sanitation Chairman, Chief Amb. Comr. Chijioke Kennedy Akaninwa, lauded the initiative as “timely and impactful.”
He reaffirmed the Council’s strong support and willingness to deepen partnership with IHRC, emphasizing that such collaborations are vital to community resilience and a clean, safe environment.

IHRC’s Humanitarian Vision

In his keynote remarks, Comrade Ogor reiterated that the IHRC Community Service Initiative is a humanitarian outreach programme designed to promote human dignity, social justice, and peace through volunteer-driven engagement.
He acknowledged the contribution of the National Coordinator of IHRC SMM Nigeria, Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, for successfully mobilising local resources and goodwill to benefit underserved communities.

“This outreach reflects IHRC’s dedication to not just defending rights, but promoting dignity and peace through practical, people-focused engagement,”
he stated.

Reinforcing Global and Local Commitments

Comrade Ogor highlighted that the Initiative aligns with the global call to action on public welfare, environmental safety, and inclusive development. He commended the Council Boss for his proactive leadership, noting that the day’s success demonstrates the power of unified community action.

IHRC National Leadership Perspective

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, IHRC Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, underlined that the Initiative demonstrates the IHRC’s unwavering commitment to defending human rights, driving multi-sectoral engagement across Nigeria.
He affirmed the organization’s broader mission:

Uphold human rights, advance public welfare, foster peace, and empower local communities for sustainable development.

He further announced plans to replicate the initiative nationwide, urging all SMM Officials to maintain their commitment and actively participate in future programmes.

Participation and Team Acknowledgements

Among the key IHRC SMM Officials present and instrumental in the campaign were:
Comrades Otuedon Nunu, Chukudi Ossai, Akuegbu Gabriel, Owujie Edwin, and Godspower Wutche—all played critical roles in mobilising and executing the sanitation drive.

“What we do today, we do for generations.” – IHRC Nigeria

By Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media & Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

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