Climate change is the greatest threat to human rights in the 21st century.

Today's human rights violations are the causes of tomorrow's conflicts.

The changing climate is a threat to human rights.

Human rights are inscribed in the hearts of people; they were there long before lawmakers drafted their first proclamation.

When I am asked, "What, in your view, is the worst human rights problem in the world today?" I reply: "Absolute poverty." This is not the answer most journalists expect. It is neither sexy nor legalistic. But it is true.

When globalisation means that many of the services that individual governments used to have direct power over are privatised, in education and health, even prison services, nonetheless national sovereignty still needs to be exercised.

The international human rights framework is a vital component and engine for promoting global values. Governments have signed up to this international legal framework and we should hold them accountable, in all circumstances from environmental or labour standards, to trade talks, arms control and security issues as well as other international legal codes.