Copenhagen - The UN climate talks were brought to a halt this morning as a result of a standoff between African nations and rich countries, who are trying to wriggle out of their responsibilities.

CIDSE and Caritas Internationalis, together the world’s largest development alliance, claim developed countries, including Japan and Russia, are undermining the climate talks by attempting to sideline the Protocol, currently the only legally binding instrument that regulates climate change. Including binding emission reductions for developed countries, it provides the world’s poorest with at least some protection from further devastating climate change impacts and poverty.

Niamh Garvey of Trocaire, Irish member of the CIDSE and Caritas networks, said: “As heads of state come to Copenhagen in this second week, it’s up to rich countries to get the talks back on track by re-committing to the Kyoto Protocol. Africa's decision to suspend discussions on other elements of the talks, backed by most of the G77, resulted from their fear that rich countries are trying to kill the strongest legal climate agreement we have."

Rowan Popplewell of CIDSE and Caritas member SCIAF from Scotland said: "Abandoning the Kyoto Protocol would be a step back for all countries, but especially for the world’s poorest. For them the negotiations are a matter of survival. Vulnerable communities across the world need a fair, ambitious and binding climate agreement, of which the Kyoto Protocol is an essential element.”

Contact: Patrick Nicholson, nicholson@caritas.va, +393343590700