The Interrelationship between Human Rights and Climate Change

This special issue has its roots in the 2013 celebrations commemorating the 300 the anniversary of the Peace of Utrecht. 1 he signing of the Peace of Utrecht in 1713 was the culmination of 18 months of negotiations between the major European powers of the time to help settle the War of the Spanish Succession. 2 It marked the beginning of modern diplomacy, resolving the warfare that had ravaged Europe and spread across the globe, with discussion and agreement displacing continuing warfare. Thus the treaty marked an important goal for which the international community should always strive: the ‘creation of conditions conducive to lasting peace’. The Peace of Utrecht 2013 celebrations involved a series of public events which aimed to recognise this cultural legacy – the living legacy of the Peace of Utrecht. The Treaty of Utrecht Foundation, together with Utrecht University, formulated three key legacy principles (the Utrecht Principles); ‘(1) respect for cultural, ethnic and religious diversity; (2) harnessing the power of art and multiculturalism to create a sustainable society; (3) the exchange of knowledge to promote social cohesion and renewal’. These principles were to inform a number of conferences, including the one that forms the basis of this special issue. On 10 October 2013, Utrecht University’s Human Rights and Conflict Programme held a special conference on Human Rights and Climate Change.