HRC 62 Oral Statement: China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway, Snow Leopard Habitat and the Right to a Healthy Environment

Human Rights Council 62^nd regular session of the Human Rights Council

15 June 2026 to 07 July 2026

Item 3: Annual panel discussion on the adverse impacts
of climate change on human rights 19 June 2026

My name is Gary Cartwright, Editor of EU Today. I deliver this statement on behalf of CAP Liberté de Conscience, in relation to the mandate on human rights and climate change.

We wish to draw attention to the proposed China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and its possible impact on fragile high-mountain ecosystems in Kyrgyzstan.

These landscapes are relevant to snow leopard habitat, ecological connectivity, mountain watersheds and local livelihoods. They are also increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Decisions on major infrastructure in such areas may have long-term consequences for biodiversity, water security and the adaptive capacity of both communities and species.

This is not an argument against development or regional connectivity. It is an argument for transparency, public participation and environmental due diligence before irreversible damage occurs.

We therefore call for the full publication of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Kyrgyz section of the railway, disclosure of route-level documentation, independent ecological review, and meaningful participation by affected communities and civil society.

The right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment must be applied in practice, including in infrastructure projects affecting climate-sensitive ecosystems.

Thank you.