Key Environmental Insights from the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

The 58th session of the Human Rights Council will take place in Geneva from June 16 to July 11, 2025. You can catch the proceedings live on UN TV. Summaries of the meetings will be available on the UN Geneva website, and the schedule will be live-updated on Sched.

### Environment and Human Rights at HRC59

The focus at the upcoming Human Rights Council session will be on the critical relationship between climate change and human rights. Climate change remains one of the largest threats to human rights, impacting basic necessities like life, health, food, and housing. Vulnerable communities will feel the brunt of these changes, amplifying existing inequalities.

#### Climate Change and Human Rights

The UN emphasizes that addressing climate change through a human rights lens is vital. As noted by Elisa Morgera, the UN Special Rapporteur, various studies highlight the detrimental impacts of a fossil fuel-based economy on human rights. Her report, “The Imperative of Defossilizing Our Economies” (A/HRC/59/42), aims to clarify state obligations in supporting people during a transition away from fossil fuels.

Furthermore, in 2023, 500,000 people globally were displaced due to crime and violence, underscoring the interconnectedness of climate change, poverty, and human rights violations. The focus on displacement will also include a report on internal displacement caused by organized criminal activities, addressing the needs of affected communities.

#### Water, Sanitation, and Human Rights

Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is recognized as a human right. Distressingly, women and girls spend an estimated 200 million hours each day collecting water, impacting their education and health. The Human Rights Council will facilitate a panel discussion on this issue on June 26, 2025, emphasizing accessibility for all, including those with disabilities.

#### Indigenous Rights and Environmental Protection

Indigenous Peoples play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity. They hold unique cultural traditions and insights regarding environmental stewardship. Unfortunately, they often face discrimination. The upcoming discussions will include a report on Indigenous rights and solidarity, shedding light on the necessity of protecting their traditional practices.

### Recent Trends and Insights

Social media is buzzing with discussions around human rights in the context of climate change. Hashtags like #ClimateJustice and #HRC59 are trending, revealing widespread public engagement with these important issues.

Recent surveys show a growing concern among the global public regarding climate change’s impact on human rights. According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, 71% of respondents believe that climate change will have severe consequences for human rights in their country.

### Conclusion

As the world grapples with climate change and its impacts, the Human Rights Council’s session will address vital issues affecting people’s basic rights and dignity. Advocates and experts will gather to discuss solutions for promoting and protecting human rights in an increasingly challenging environment.

For more details about the discussions and events, check out the reports listed on the HRC website.



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