Peasants and Rural Workers Rights at the Heart of Climate Justice

Climate and Environmental Justice

As world leaders and civil society convene for COP30, the UN Working Group on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas demands a fundamental shift in global climate policy. They emphasize that peasants, Indigenous peoples, fisherfolk, pastoralists, and rural workers are crucial leaders in ecosystem restoration, community nourishment, and the pursuit of social and economic justice.

Statement on the Occasion of COP30, Belem, Brazil (November 10, 2025)

Geneva – At the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN Working Group highlights the vital role of rural communities:

"Peasants, Indigenous peoples, fisherfolk, pastoralists and rural workers must no longer be seen only as victims of the climate crisis but as essential leaders in restoring ecosystems, feeding communities, and building social and economic justice."

Almost 2 billion peasants, Indigenous peoples, and producers supply over 70% of the food consumed in low- and middle-income countries. They also play a key role in preserving global biodiversity, safeguarding traditional seeds and breeds, and maintaining ecosystems and landscapes that underpin rural life and economies.

Key Contributions of Rural Communities

Growing more than 70% of food eaten in many developing countries
Protecting much of the world's biodiversity
Preserving traditional seed varieties and livestock breeds
Maintaining ecosystems and landscapes critical for rural livelihoods

The UN Working Group calls for these communities to be recognized as frontline agents of climate justice and ecological stewardship.

Author’s summary: Rural workers and Indigenous peoples are central to climate solutions, as key food producers and ecosystem guardians demanding leadership roles in climate justice efforts.

La Via Campesina — 2025-11-12