Legal Protection for Children Against Climate Change in the Southeast Asia Region Apropos of Target 13.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDG 2030)

Abstract

Objective: This article seeks to elucidate children's rights to protection from climate-related hazards in the Southeast Asia region and to highlight the effects of climate change on children's development rights. Further reference is made to Target 13.3 of SDG 2030, which aims to improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning as methods to combat climate change and its impacts. Theoretical Reference: Paramount considerations in addressing the impacts of climate change on children revolve around two central principles: children's best interests and the intergenerational equity principle. These principles stress the importance of prioritizing children's well-being and rights in climate change policies. Furthermore, they underscore the significance of long-term thinking and decision-making to ensure a sustainable and habitable planet for future generations, in line with broader goals of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Method: The study is based on doctrinal legal research, using reasoning to assess statutory provisions and legal precedents. Data from library research were analyzed through content analysis, primarily focusing on legal concepts, principles, and selected statutes. Results and conclusion: The article reveals that climate change has the potential to negatively impact children's social status, safety, and health, resulting in stunted life potential and infringed development rights. In the Southeast Asia region, legal measures are in place to safeguard children's rights to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, primarily through the promotion of climate change education. These legal protections are aligned with Target 13.3 of the SDG 2030 framework. However, for these protections to be effective, there is a need for international and national implementation. Therefore, it becomes crucial for the global community to prioritize the safeguarding and preparation of children for the climate change crisis. This involves increasing awareness, providing secure options, and encouraging active participation, particularly in the realm of children's education. Research Implications: This study emphasizes the vital link between climate change and the welfare of children in Southeast Asia, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive, international, and child-centric approaches to tackle the consequences of climate change on their rights and progress. It demands immediate action to safeguard the most susceptible individuals and guarantee every child's safe and sustainable future. Originality/Value: This study significantly increases comprehension of the complex correlation between climate change and child rights and provides a foundation for targeted actions and the development of policies.