Climate justice is at a turning point. While some of the world's major emitters are stepping back from climate commitments, communities that have contributed least to climate change are suffering some of its most severe impacts. These impacts often intersect with or exacerbate other existing conflicts, violence, and socio-economic or political marginalisation, further intensifying vulnerabilities of local populations. In response, affected communities are taking action to address climate-related harms. Yet these locally driven efforts are often overlooked in mainstream climate justice debates.

In this video, we present findings from recent publications from the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation and the Global Learning Hub for Transitional Justice and Reconciliation on local climate action in Malawi and Mindanao. We explore how community-led responses can contribute to climate justice when viewed through a transformative transitional justice lens. This approach emphasises the role of affected communities in addressing structural drivers of harm and injustice. Experts from the fields of transitional justice and climate justice discuss how local climate actions can be a tool for truth-seeking, reparation, accountability, and prevention and how these efforts can advance climate justice from the ground up.

Welcome remarks by Beatrix Austin, Head of Conflict Transformation Research Department, Berghof Foundation

Speakers:

– Jasmina Brankovic, Senior Research Adviser, Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, South Africa

– Glory Muva, Programme Officer, Civil Society Network on Climate Change

– Reemar Alonsagay, Activist and Researcher, Mindanao State University, the Philippines

– Samuel Sontag, Human Rights and Transitional Justice Researcher

Moderated by Johanna Lober, Senior Project Manager, Berghof Foundation

 

The Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR), the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) and the Library at the University of Johannesburg hosted a three-part webinar series between October and November 2021 to highlight the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related restrictions on young people's lives.

Overview

COVID-19 and youth well-being in South Africa – SALDRU

This presentation, delivered by Dr Gibson Muderiza of SALDRU, shared the results of a largescale survey, conducted with UNICEF and others, looking at the educational, employment and psychological effects of the pandemic on South African youth.

Young Alex residents' experiences of COVID-19 and related restrictions – CSVR

COVID-19, learning and educational support – Afrika Tikkun

Afrika Tikkun is an organisation that focuses on supporting child development from cradle to career. Nellie Zembe's presentation shared the results of telephonic interviews with families who were receiving educational support from the organisation. The results highlighted the great difficulties that many families experienced in continuing/ supporting their children's learning during South Africa's level 5 lockdown.

A systematic overview of youth unemployment interventions in South Africa – CSDA

In this presentation, Prof Lauren Graham outlined the various strategies that the public and private sectors had put in place to support youth economic inclusion and the effectiveness thereof.

The National Pathway Management System, matching and youth employment – Harambee

In this presentation, Lesedi Masha shared details of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator's National Pathway Management System (NPMS). This system aims to match or connect young people with work opportunities more effectively.

Youth-related insights from the IJR's Inclusive Economies Project – IJR

In this presentation, Jaynisha Patel shared insights related to youth inclusion from the organisation's Inclusive Economies project.

Youth inclusion in the Community Work Programme – CSVR

Prof Malose Langa's presentation shared details of CSVR's research on youth inclusion in South Africa's Community Work Programme (CWP). Early findings highlighted how youth inclusion was not a primary focus in the conceptualization of the CWP but that great potential existed in terms of fostering greater youth representation in the programme. The violence prevention potential of such inclusion was also noted.

The Basic Package of Support and a whole-person approach to youth inclusion – CSDA

Prof Lauren Graham's presentation highlighted the need for a holistic or whole-person approach to youth development and inclusion. This included a discussion around the Basic Package of Support (BPS) programme, which is a central component of President Cyril Ramaphosa's Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI).