Environment @ 56th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

The 56th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC56) took place in Geneva from 18 June to 12 July 2024. This page highlights the environmental-related activities of this session.

The 56th regular session of the Human Rights Council took place in Geneva from 18 June to 12 July 2024. The Council proceedings can be viewed on UN TV. The meeting summaries are available on the UN Geneva website and the live-updated programme of work on Sched.

Opening

Highlights

The 56th session of the #UN Human Rights Council commences today in #GENeva with the annual report of the High Commissioner for @UNHumanRights.

With the #environment high on the agenda at #HRC55, follow to know how it features in the opening. ▶️ https://t.co/ZgiRlFHi4D pic.twitter.com/TMEmNpbygi
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) June 18, 2024

Climate Change and Human Rights

Climate change is one of the greatest existential threats for people and the planet. Its harmful effects undermine the full enjoyment and realization of all human rights, posing a serious risk to the fundamental rights to life, health, food and an adequate standard of living of individuals and communities across the world and disproportionately affecting those who are already in situations of vulnerability. International Geneva as a global hub for environmental governance plays a key role in advancing a human rights-based approach to climate action.

More on Human Rights, Climate Change, and the Role of Geneva

Report | SR climate change

In this session of the Council, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, Elisa Morgera, presented her first report (A/HRC/56/46, advanced unedited version) to the Council after her appointment in its previous session.

The report maps efforts made in international human rights processes to clarify issues and obligations in relation to climate change. It aims to identify good practices, challenges and opportunities relevant to the implementation of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate for the years to come in the context of climate change mitigation, adaptation, just transition, climate finance, and loss and damage. The report stresses the importance of intersectionality, with a view to promoting policy coherence and increased cooperation.

An interactive dialogue on the report with the Special Rapporteur took place on 2 July 2024.

Reports on the Special Rapporteur Visits

The Special Rapporteur also presented the reports of the previous mandate holder on his visit to Honduras (A/HRC/56/46/Add.1) and the Philippines (A/HRC/56/46/Add.1). An interactive dialogue on the report with the Special Rapporteur took place on 2 July 2024.

Report | Climate change and internal displacement | SR IDPs

The Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, Paula Gaviria Betancur, in her annual report to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/56/47), focused on planned relocations of people in the context of the adverse effects of climate change and disasters. For this report, planned relocations are understood as a planned process in which groups of persons move or are assisted to move away from their homes or places of temporary residence, are settled in a new and safer location, and provided with the conditions for rebuilding their lives. The report considered planned relocations conducted to protect people from risks and impacts related to disasters, environmental change and climate-related hazards and vulnerabilities.

Focusing on contexts of disasters, environmental change and climate change, the report identifies key human rights challenges posed by planned relocation processes, and takes stock of relevant laws and policies at the national, regional, international levels. The report also shares the experiences of people relocated and their views on how the full enjoyment of human rights can be ensured in contexts of planned relocation processes, and proposes a human rights-based approach to planned relocations and identify the human rights principles that should underpin such movements of persons and communities.

An interactive dialogue on the report with the Special Rapporteur took place on 20-21 June 2024.

Report on the Special Rapporteur Visit

The Special Rapporteur also presented their report on their visit to Mozambique (A/HRC/56/47/Add.1). An interactive dialogue on the report with the Special Rapporteur took place on 20-21 June 2024.

Panel Discussion | Ensuring livelihood resilience in the context of the risk of loss and damage | OHCHR

Achieving livelihood resilience in the face of loss and damage brought about by extreme weather and slow-onset events is a priority, particularly for developing countries and people in vulnerable situations. Averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage in the context of livelihoods requires a wide range of rights-based measures, for example with respect to social protection, just transition, cultural rights, the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and rights to traditional knowledge, lands, territories, and resources. States, businesses, and others should work together with frontline communities and affected people to support their livelihood resilience in the face of loss and damage from climate change.

In its resolution 50/9, the Human Rights Council decided to incorporate into its annual programme of work, beginning in 2023, at a minimum a panel discussion on different specific themes on the adverse impacts of climate change on human rights. In its resolution 53/6, it decided that, at the fifty-sixth session of the Council, the panel discussion would be focused on ensuring livelihood resilience in the context of the risk of loss and damage relating to the adverse effects of climate change for achieving progressively the full realization of all human rights and ways forward to address the challenges thereto on the basis of equity and climate justice.

The annual panel discussion on the adverse impacts of climate change on human rights took place on 1 July 2024.

Geneva Rights and Climate Talks

In the face of the three interrelated environmental crises — climate change, loss of biodiversity, and pollution — the intensification of climate change-related extreme and slow-onset events constitutes one of the greatest threats to human rights, placing it at the forefront of the human rights agenda.

The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change reports to the Human Rights Council during its June session on issues related to her mandate. The Geneva Rights and Climate Talks, taking place in the margins of HRC56, aim to harness the opportunity of this moment of the year to reflect on the challenges posed by the impacts of climate change and the intertwined human rights implications. The talks are also an opportunity to discuss how Geneva contributes to bringing together the actors working towards placing human rights at the heart of climate action.

Advancing Rights and Climate @ HRC56

Launching the Geneva Rights and Climate Talks, the session underscored the crucial role of environmental defenders in ensuring a safe climate. This event had the new UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change and the UN Special Rapporteur on environmental defenders of the Aarhus Convention to exchange experiences and perspectives.

High-level informal presidential discussion | The link between climate change, food security and health security, and their impact on the enjoyment of human rights

In the margins of HRC56, a high-level informal presidential discussion was held on 20 June 2024 to tackle the link between climate change, food security and health security, and their impact on the enjoyment of human rights.

Highlights

Business and Human Rights

Human rights and the environment are intrinsically intertwined. If we are to tackle environmental challenges without leaving anyone behind, the private sector must respect both the environment and environmental rights, and ensure they are not violated in their conduct of business operations and beyond.

More on Business and Human Rights, Environment, and the Role of Geneva

Report | Investors, environmental, social and governance approaches and human rights | WG on Business and Human Rights

In its stocktaking exercise of the implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) over the first decade since their adoption, the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises recognized that “financial actors have an unparalleled ability to influence companies and scale up on the implementation of the Guiding Principles.” An issue of particular relevance to the UNGPs is that financial institutions are increasingly including an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) approach (albeit with diverse indicators) in determining their decision-making on investments.

The report by the Working Group (A/HRC/56/55) aims to provide practical guidance to States, businesses, especially financial institutions of all types, civil society and other stakeholders on how to align better ESG approaches with the UNGPs in the context of financial products and services. The report also made connections with the Working Group’s previous and upcoming reports and knowledge products addressing issues such as just transition in the extractive sector, climate change, human rights due diligence, policy coherence, gender dimensions, human rights defenders, state-owned enterprises, access to remedy, and the financial sector in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

An interactive dialogue on the report with the Working Group took place on 26 June 2024.

Highlights

Today, Robert McCorquodale (@InclusiveLaw) of @WGBizHRs is presenting their report on Investors, ESG, and #HumanRights to the 56th session of @UN_HRC!

Watch the dialogue #live 📺 https://t.co/USv8fyqYT0
More on #HRC56 & #environment ▶️ https://t.co/ZgiRlFHi4D pic.twitter.com/wbBBEMAdrk
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) June 26, 2024

Protecting Environmental Human Rights Defenders | Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association

Environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) are those who strive to protect, promote and safeguard a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, as recognized in HRC resolution 40/11. From the local to the international level, the efforts of EHRDs have provoked responses to the three interlinked environmental crises afflicting our planet – the loss of biodiversity, pollution, and climate change. However, evidence suggests that they remain highly vulnerable and under attack across the globe.

More on Environmental Human Rights Defenders and the Role of Geneva

Report | Preserving the gains and pushing back on emerging restrictions on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association and rising authoritarianism | SR on peaceful assembly

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), it requires collective response to ensure that the freedom of peaceful assembly and association rights gains are preserved, so these rights can continue to play their historic and crucial role in promoting the defense of human rights, socio-economic justice and peace. The importance of reversing the restrictions to these fundamental freedoms is even more urgent today, as the world is facing serious and growing threats to global peace and security due to the escalation and expansions of armed conflicts, and attacks on democracy, including by anti-rights and authoritarian actors, as well as the serious climate change crisis. While emerging technologies present some opportunities, they also pose new threats, all the more so given the lack of adequate regulations, oversight and human rights safeguards. To address the global challenges of today and of tomorrow, a collective effort will be needed to push back against the global threat to the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and to ensure their capacity to enable change is maximally supported.

The Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, Gina Romero, presented her first report to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/56/50) after being appointed during the last session. The report analyzes the key gains of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, and the deepening and emerging/new challenges and threats to these rights, while identifying and examining the responsibilities of global and regional actors that can play a role in providing a global unified response against the current crackdown on these rights. This report provided an important contribution to strengthening the commitments for the rights and principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration for Human Rights, at its 75th anniversary.

An interactive dialogue on the report with the Special Rapporteur took place on 28 June 2024.

Highlights

Extreme Poverty, SDGs and the Environment

Report | Eradicating Poverty Beyond Growth | SR extreme poverty

The Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier De Schutter, in this session of the Human Rights Council, presented his report on the role of economic growth, understood as an increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in the fight against poverty (A/HRC/56/61). The report intends to explore “post-growth” approaches to poverty eradication that move beyond GDP, and considered whether and how development pathways guided by human rights can support the search for such alternative approaches.

Though the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) present economic growth as essential to fulfilling the promise of the 2030 Development Agenda, they are also nuanced about the contribution of economic growth to the 2030 Development Agenda, including reference to the need to take into account planetary limits in designing development strategies. As such, the report explores how the eradication of poverty can be delinked from the pursuit of economic growth that damages the environment, increases inequalities, and narrows down democracy. The report also considers how human rights can guide the search for alternative development pathways as the world prepares the post-2030 Agenda.

An interactive dialogue on the report with the Special Rapporteur took place on 2 July 2024.

Reports on the Special Rapporteur Visit

The Special Rapporteur also presented their report on their visit to Bangladesh (A/HRC/56/61/Add.1) and Ecuador ((A/HRC/56/61/Add.2). An interactive dialogue on the report with the Special Rapporteur took place on 2 July 2024.

Highlights

The UN Special Rapporteur on #extremepoverty and #humanrights, Olivier De Schutter presented his report to @UN_HRC on "Eradicating Poverty Beyond Growth".

Read the report to #HRC56 📄 https://t.co/QoGmAIeeFj
Watch the dialogue on the report 📺https://t.co/cSxtdCeC1p pic.twitter.com/IFXMcXXwj6
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) July 2, 2024

Events

Date and time of some events subject to change on the live-updated programme of work on Sched.

Deadline for side events applications (NGOs)

13 May 2024 | 12:00 CEST

NGO Registration

HRC56 Info-Sharing Session | Human Rights and the Environment

28 May 2024 | 10:00 – 11:00 CEST | IEH1, Room 2 & Online, Webex

Organizational meeting for the 55th session of the Human Rights Council

3 June 2024 | 10:00 – 13:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XX & Online

Briefing on HRC rules of procedure and practices followed by a briefing on the Events platform

3 June 2024 | 15:00 – 18:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XX & Online

Inscription on the lists of speakers | NGOs

11 June 2024 | 14:00 CEST

Opening of the session and Annual report by the High Commissioner

18 June 2024 | 10:00 – 10:45 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XX & Online

25 Years of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders | HRC56 Side Event

19 June 2024 | 13:00 – 14:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

International Service for Human Rights

High-level informal presidential discussion on the link between climate change, food security and health security, and their impact on the enjoyment of human rights

20 June 2024 | 12:00 CEST onwards | Palais des Nations, Room XX & Online

Hydropower Protests in Tibet | HRC56 Side Event

20 June 2024 | 14:00 – 15:00 CEST onwards | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

Interactive Dialogue with SR on internally displaced persons

20 – 21 June 2024 | 17:00 CEST onwards | Palais des Nations, Room XX & Online

Summit for the Future: The Civil Society Engagement in the United Nations | HRC56 Side Event

21 June 2024 | 11:00 – 12:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

Rosa-Luxembourg-Stiftung

Informal consultations on the draft resolution on human rights and climate change

21 June 2024 | 11:30 – 13:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXII

Bangladesh, Philippines and Viet Nam

Informal consultations on the draft resolution on enhancing the support capabilities to advance the process of the open-ended intergovernmental working group established by Human Rights Council resolution 26/9 (on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights)

21 June 2024 | 12:00 – 13:30 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXIV

Ecuador

A human rights-based approach to planned relocations in the context of disasters and the adverse effects of climate change | HRC56 Side Event

21 June 2024 | 15:00 – 16:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

Special Rapporteur on Internally Displaced Persons, Platform on Disaster Displacement, OHCHR UNHCR, IOM, Fiji, Luxembourg, Denmark, Caritas (Internationalis/France/Senegal), UNU-EHS

Informal consultations on the draft resolution on human rights and climate change

24 June 2024 | 10:00 – 11:30 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXIV

Bangladesh, Philippines and Viet Nam

Informal consultations on the draft resolution on human rights and climate change

24 June 2024 | 16:00 – 17:30 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

Bangladesh, Philippines and Viet Nam

Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family | HRC56 Side Event

25 June 2024 | 12:00 – 13:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXII

Qatar & Doha International Family Institute

Youth and the SDGs: the meaningful participation of youth in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda

25 June 2024 | 13:00 – 14:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXIV

UAE

Interactive Dialogue with WG on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights

26 June 2024 | 12:00 CEST onwards | Palais des Nations, Room XX & Online

Violation of Freedom of Expression and Opinion ahead of COP29 | HRC56 Side Event

26 June 2024 | 13:00 – 14:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety

Establishing Effective Helpdesks on Business and Human Rights | HRC56 Side Event

26 June 2024 | 14:00 – 15:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXII & Online, Webex

Geneva Human Rights Platform, Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung Geneva office & OHCHR

Protection of Freedom of Expression and Assembly | HRC56 Side Event

26 June 2024 | 14:00 – 15:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

Amnesty International

Informal consultations on the draft resolution on enhancing the support capabilities to advance the process of the open-ended intergovernmental working group established by Human Rights Council resolution 26/9 (on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights)

27 June 2024 | 10:30 – 12:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXIV

Ecuador

The Right to Adequate Food – Contributions from the UN Committee on World Food Security | HRC56 Side Event

27 June 2024 | 14:00 – 15:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

OHCHR, FAO, FIAN International, German Institute for Human Rights, Brazil, Cuba, Germany, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland

Interactive Dialogue with SR on human rights to peaceful assembly and association

28 June & 1 July 2024 | 17:00 – 18:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XX & Online

Informal consultations on the draft resolution on human rights and climate change

28 June 2024 | 16:30 – 18:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXII

Bangladesh, Philippines and Viet Nam

Informal consultations on the draft resolution on plastic pollution implications on the full enjoyment of human rights

28 June 2024 | 16:30 – 18:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXII

Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Peru

Human Rights and Ethical Perspective on Non-Economic Loss and Damage in the Context of Climate Change | HRC56 Side Event

1 July 2024 | 11:00 – 12:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV & Online

Geneva Interfaith Forum on Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights

Business and Human Rights: Corporate Accountability | HRC56 Side Event

1 July 2024 | 12:00 – 13:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

Right Livelihood Award Foundation

Annual panel on adverse impacts of climate change

1 July 2024 | 15:00 – 17:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XX & Online

Interactive Dialogue with SR on human rights and climate change

2 July 2024 | 11:00 CEST onwards | Palais des Nations, Room XX & Online

Draft Proposals | Submission Deadline

2 July 2024 | 13:00 CEST

Human rights economies within planetary boundaries: how can human rights support sustainable development for all? | HRC56 Side Event

2 July 2024 | 13:00 – 14:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXIV

Malaysia and Human Rights Watch

Environmental Activism under Threat | HRC56 Side Event

2 July 2024 | 14:00 – 15:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

Institute for Human Rights

Preserving the gains and pushing back against the global attack on civic space and growing authoritarianism | HRC56 Side Event

2 July 2024 | 14:00 – 15:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXII & online

SR on freedom of peaceful assembly and association

Tackling Land Inequality in the Context of Climate Change | HRC56 Side Event

2 July 2024 | 15:00 – 16:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

FIAN International e.V.

Interactive Dialogue with SR on extreme poverty

2 July 2024 | 16:00 – 18:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XX & Online

Where are Human Rights in the Discussion on Climate Change and Human Mobility? | HRC56 Side Event

3 July 2024 | 12:00 – 13:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Act Alliance, Franciscans International, International Service for Human Rights, Earthjustice, Climate, Migration, and Displacement Platform, Geneva Climate Change Consultation Group (GeCCco)

The Crucial Role of Environmental Defenders in Ensuring a Safe Climate | Geneva Rights and Climate Talks

3 July 2024 | 13:00 – 14:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room H-307.2 & Online, Webex

Earthjustice, Geneva Environment Network, International Service for Human Rights, Geneva Climate Change Consultation Group, Geneva Roadmap 40/11 for Environmental Human Rights Defenders

Climate Change and the Universal Periodic Review | HRC56 Side Event

3 July 2024 | 16:00 – 17:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

UPR Info

Human Rights and Transnational Corporations in Africa | HRC56 Side Event

4 July 2024 | 11:00 – 12:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

Centre du Commerce International pour le Développement

Right to Development: Towards a Just International Economic Order | HRC56 Side Event

4 July 2024 | 13:00 – 14:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations

How are Environmental Defenders Protected in the Regions? | Geneva Roadmap 40/11

4 July 2024 | 13:00 – 14:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

Geneva Roadmap 40/11, Earthjustice, University of Geneva, GEN, International Service for Human Rights

Carbon Markets Impacts on Human Rights | HRC56 Side Event

4 July 2024 | 14:00 – 15:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

Center for International Environmental Law

Fostering Human Rights and Business Accountability in the context of climate change: Experiences of NHRIs | HRC56 Side Event

4 July 2024 | 17:00 – 18:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

GANHRI, CIEL, OHCHR, Australia

Summit of the Future: Challenges of Human Rights in the Future | HRC56 Side Event

8 July 2024 | 16:00 – 17:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV

ArabEuropean Forum for Dialogue and Human Rights

Decisions and Conclusions

10 – 12 July 2024 | Palais des Nations, Room XX

Investors and human rights: Ways forward in a time of complexity

16 July 2024 | 17:00 – 18:00 CEST | Online, BrightTALK

Principles for Responsible Investment, WG on Business and Human Rights

Reports

Reports to be presented at HRC56 relating to the global environmental agenda are listed below. The full list of reports can be consulted on the HRC website.

A/HRC/56/46 | Report of the Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change
A/HRC/56/46/Add.1 | Visit to Honduras | Report of the Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change
A/HRC/56/46/Add.2 | Visit to the Philippines | Report of the Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change
A/HRC/56/47 | Climate change and internally displaced persons | Report of the Special Rapporteur on internally displaced persons
A/HRC/56/47/Add.1 | Visit to Mozambique | Report of the Special Rapporteur on internally displaced persons
A/HRC/56/50 | Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
A/HRC/56/50/Add.1 | Visit to Peru | Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
A/HRC/56/50/Add.2 | Visit to Algeria | Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
A/HRC/56/55 | Investors, environmental, social and governance approaches and human rights | Report of the Working Group on Business and Human Rights
A/HRC/56/55/Add.1 | Visit to Japan | Report of the Working Group on Business and Human Rights
A/HRC/56/61 | Eradicating poverty beyond growth | Report of the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights
A/HRC/56/61/Add.1 | Visit to Bangladesh | Report of the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights
A/HRC/56/61/Add.2 | Visit to Ecuador | Report of the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights

Resolutions and Decisions

Resolutions and decisions (found on the HRC56 website) relating to the global environmental agenda tabled at HRC56 and their subsequent decisions are listed below.

A/HRC/56/L.5 | Human rights and international solidarity | Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Venezuela and Yemen
Recognizes that international solidarity is a powerful tool for addressing the structural causes of global challenges, including climate change
A/HRC/56/L.12 | Freedom of opinion and expression | Netherlands, Brazil, Canada, Fiji, Namibia, Sweden & 44 other countries
Strongly condemns the threats, reprisals, harassment and violence against human rights defenders, including environmental human rights defenders
A/HRC/56/L.14/Rev.1 | Human rights and climate change | Bangladesh, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Viet Nam and Yemen
Stressing that human rights obligations, standards and principles have the potential to inform and strengthen international, regional and national policymaking in the area of climate change, the resolution highlights that just transitions can support more robust and equitable mitigation outcomes.
A/HRC/56/L.17 | Enhancing the support capabilities of the open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights, established by Human Rights Council resolution 26/9 | Belgium, Chile, Ecuador, France, Luxembourg, Portugal
Starting in 2025, for a period of three years, the working group will convene no more than 10 full-day intersessional thematic consultations each year, in Geneva,… for the purpose of discussing clusters of articles of the draft legally binding instrument currently being negotiated.
A/HRC/56/L.19/Rev.1 | The promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests | Switzerland, Costa Rica & 43 other countries
In recognizing also that peaceful protests have historically played a constructive social and political role in the development of more just, equal and accountable societies, including the advancement of environmental justice, calls upon all States to promote a safe and enabling environment for individuals and groups to exercise their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, of expression and of association.
A/HRC/56/L.23 | Plastic pollution implications on the full enjoyment of human rights | Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Israel, Luxembourg, Panama, Peru, Portugal
Requests the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee to prepare a comprehensive study on the implications of plastic pollution for the full enjoyment of human rights, based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic.

A summary of actions on the resolutions is provided by the Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue.

Call for Submissions

Special Procedures

The special procedure mandate-holders are independent human rights experts who help advance human rights, by reporting and advancing from a country-specific or thematic perspective, some of which are related to the environment. Calls for submissions are made to help mandate-holders prepare their reports to the Human Rights Council.

More information on the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council

Videos and Highlights

Videos and highlights of related events will be featured in this section.

A human rights-based approach to planned relocations in the context of disasters and the adverse effects of climate change | HRC56 Side Event

21 June 2024 | 15:00 – 16:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV
Special Rapporteur on Internally Displaced Persons, Platform on Disaster Displacement, OHCHR UNHCR, IOM, Fiji, Luxembourg, Denmark, Caritas (Internationalis/France/Senegal), UNU-EHS

The @GENetwork is at the #HRC56 side event on a #HumanRights-based approach to planned relocations in the context of disasters and #climatechange with UN Special Rapporteur on human rights of #IDPs @PaulaGaviriaB!

▶️ https://t.co/KjRrdQlH1e pic.twitter.com/6RF8s5hGIH
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) June 21, 2024

Youth and the SDGs: the meaningful participation of youth in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda

25 June 2024 | 13:00 – 14:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXIV
UAE

The @GENetwork is at the #HRC56 side event that will deep dive into a discussion on #Youth and the #SDGs, underscoring the importance of meaningful participation of youth in the #Agenda2030.

More info ▶️ https://t.co/yt3nsr4ecO #HRC56 & Environment ▶️ https://t.co/rEWUnUgp4e pic.twitter.com/JnsvYRH9jb
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) June 25, 2024

Human Rights and Ethical Perspective on Non-Economic Loss and Damage in the Context of Climate Change | HRC56 Side Event

1 July 2024 | 11:00 – 12:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV & Online
Geneva Interfaith Forum on Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights

The @GENetwork is at the #HRC56 side event highlighting "A #humanrights & ethical perspective on Noneconomic Loss and Damage #NELD in the context of #climatechange" organized by the #GENeva Interfaith Forum on Climate Change.

▶️ https://t.co/R3dpaqNT6H
📺 https://t.co/xZZzn59u9k pic.twitter.com/kGNcNlEsok
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) July 1, 2024

Business and Human Rights: Corporate Accountability | HRC56 Side Event

1 July 2024 | 12:00 – 13:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV
Right Livelihood Award Foundation

The @GENetwork is at the #HRC56 side event organized by @rightlivelihood on corporate accountability, the environment, and the #TriplePlanetaryCrisis.

Join the conversation on #live Zoom! https://t.co/SHBlQcqhg3 pic.twitter.com/fjaaJYrgBL
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) July 1, 2024

Human rights economies within planetary boundaries: how can human rights support sustainable development for all? | HRC56 Side Event

2 July 2024 | 13:00 – 14:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXIV
Malaysia and Human Rights Watch

The @GENetwork is at the #HRC56 side event on tackling #HumanRights economies within planetary boundaries, answering the question: how can human rights support sustainable development for all?

▶️ https://t.co/lbo3JczAoJ pic.twitter.com/ZyeEb7cYYj
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) July 2, 2024

Environmental Activism under Threat | HRC56 Side Event

2 July 2024 | 14:00 – 15:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV
Institute for Human Rights

The @GENetwork is at the #HRC56 side event organized by @iforHumanRights focusing on "Environmental Activism under Threat" and the challenges #EnvironmentalDefenders face!

Speakers include @ForstMichel, @MarieClaireGraf, @EminHuseynovAZ, @mlotfy81.
▶️ https://t.co/lBp9oTTw3b pic.twitter.com/ldgoZlSkbE
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) July 2, 2024

Tackling Land Inequality in the Context of Climate Change | HRC56 Side Event

2 July 2024 | 15:00 – 16:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV
FIAN International e.V.

#Live now!

Join this #HRC56 Side Event "Tackling #Land Inequality to Advance #ClimateJustice & Just Transition" calling for new approaches to agrarian reform as a form of wealth redistribution & just transition.

▶️https://t.co/OHCdDkokM2
📹https://t.co/eBCPGWxWl9 pic.twitter.com/f2lAGhoPA7
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) July 2, 2024

Where are Human Rights in the Discussion on Climate Change and Human Mobility? | HRC56 Side Event

3 July 2024 | 12:00 – 13:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Act Alliance, Franciscans International, International Service for Human Rights, Earthjustice, Climate, Migration, and Displacement Platform, Geneva Climate Change Consultation Group (GeCCco)

The @GENetwork is at the #HRC56 side event organized by @FESonline tackling the question, "Where are Human Rights in the Discussion on #ClimateChange and Human Mobility?"

Join the event #live 📺 https://t.co/bZkFZQxded pic.twitter.com/tGl4BEaz5z
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) July 3, 2024

The Crucial Role of Environmental Defenders in Ensuring a Safe Climate | Geneva Rights and Climate Talks

3 July 2024 | 13:00 – 14:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room H-307.2 & Online, Webex
Earthjustice, Geneva Environment Network, International Service for Human Rights, Geneva Climate Change Consultation Group, Geneva Roadmap 40/11 for Environmental Human Rights Defenders

#Live now!

Launching the #GENeva Rights and Climate Talks, join this session that provides an exchange of experiences of and perspectives on the crucial role of #EnvironmentalDefenders in ensuring a safe climate. #GRCT2024

📅 3 July 2024, 13:00 CEST
▶️ https://t.co/oEFtOYtnS5 pic.twitter.com/2fQuiPLGCM
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) July 3, 2024

Climate Change and the Universal Periodic Review | HRC56 Side Event

3 July 2024 | 16:00 – 17:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV
UPR Info

The @GENetwork is at the #HRC56 side event deep-diving on the contributions of the Universal Periodic Review on addressing #climatechange impacts on #humanrights!

More info ▶️ https://t.co/EYHyn6EhVh pic.twitter.com/AqSnu2xvwg
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) July 3, 2024

How are Environmental Defenders Protected in the Regions? | Geneva Roadmap 40/11

4 July 2024 | 13:00 – 14:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV
Geneva Roadmap 40/11, Earthjustice, University of Geneva, GEN, International Service for Human Rights

#Live now!

Launching the #GenevaRoadmap4011 series, join this event highlighting the #AarhusConvention, and regional processes & mechanisms' growing role for #EHRDs, with new standards, collaborations & plans.

▶️ https://t.co/wmwUf3CMpV
📺 https://t.co/laYsubvifw pic.twitter.com/ld8VfxtMjq
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) July 4, 2024

Carbon Markets Impacts on Human Rights | HRC56 Side Event

4 July 2024 | 14:00 – 15:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV
Center for International Environmental Law

The #HRC56 side event organized by @ciel_tweets focuses on "Carbon Markets Impacts on #HumanRights", explaining why they cannot be seen as a viable mitigation tool!

Watch the discussion #live 📺 https://t.co/iAika6Cv49 pic.twitter.com/ImvdPNzY2m
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) July 4, 2024

Fostering Human Rights and Business Accountability in the context of climate change: Experiences of NHRIs | HRC56 Side Event

4 July 2024 | 17:00 – 18:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XXV
GANHRI, CIEL, OHCHR, Australia

The @GENetwork is at the #HRC56 side event focusing on the growing importance of the role of National Human Rights Institutions #NHRIs in fostering #humanrights and business accountability in the context of #climatechange!https://t.co/lIVqDCk4b5 pic.twitter.com/NaCJOLN8YO
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) July 4, 2024

Investors and human rights: Ways forward in a time of complexity

16 July 2024 | 17:00 – 18:00 CEST | Online, BrightTALK
Principles for Responsible Investment, WG on Business and Human Rights

Presenting the #UN @WGBizHRs report to #HRC56 on Investors, #ESGs & #HumanRights, Robert McCorquodale (@InclusiveLaw) underscores for investors to "place risks for people and the planet at the center of their decision-making."

Consult the report ▶️ https://t.co/TXBIDo1gDf pic.twitter.com/nRCX5K3Zmg
— GENeva Environment Network (@GENetwork) July 16, 2024

Links and Resources

56th session of the UN Human Rights Council
UN HRC | A to Z guide to the 56th session of the Human Rights Council
GCHRAGD | Updates on HRC56
ISHR | HRC56 | Key issues on agenda
URG | Inside Track: HRC56
GEN | Human Rights and the Environment

News and Updates

Brazil must protect Indigenous Peoples’ lands, territories and resources, says Special Rapporteur | OHCHR | 11 June 2024
A human rights expert today called on the Brazilian Supreme Court and Senate to secure the rights of Indigenous Peoples to lands, territories and natural resources and suspend applicability of a constitutionally challenged law that risks depriving or evicting them from traditional lands.
Experts condemn conviction of environmental activists in Cambodia | OHCHR | 4 June 2024
The sentencing of 10 environmental activists in Cambodia points to a sustained pattern of intolerance towards human rights defenders engaged in legitimate work to protect and promote human rights in the country, a group of independent experts said.
End dangerous fixation with GDP as way to eradicate global poverty: UN expert | OHCHR | 2 June 2024
In a report to the UN Human Rights Council, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier De Schutter, documents the environmental destruction and extreme inequality caused by mainstream political and economic thinking.
Elections and global crises put freedom of expression to the test | Geneva Solutions | 23 June 2024
Across the world, the right to peaceful assembly and association is being trampled on. Gina Romero, the new UN special rapporteur, shares her concerns.

Past HRC Sessions

Who to Follow on X

#HRC56

@UN_HRC | UN Human Rights Council
@Morocco_UNOG | Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations Office at Geneva, President of the Human Rights Council in 2024
@F_Ruddyard | H.E. Amb. Febrian Ruddyard, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Vice-President of the Human Rights Council in 2024
@DStaniulis1 | H.E. Amb. Darius Staniulis, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Vice-President of the Human Rights Council in 2024
@marceloscappini | H.E. Amb. Marcelo Eliseo Scappini Ricciardi, Permanent Representative of Paraguay to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Vice-President of the Human Rights Council in 2024
@SchroderusFox | H.E. Amb. Heidi Schroderus-Fox, Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Vice-President of the Human Rights Council in 2024
@UNHumanRights | The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights)
@volker_turk | UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
@NadaNashif | United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights
@SREnvironment | Astrid Puentes Riaño, SR on the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment (also @astridpuentes)
@SRclimatechange | Elisa Morgera, SR on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change
@SRtoxics | Marcos Orellana, SR on toxics and human rights
@RelatorDd | José Francisco Calí Tzay, SR indigenous peoples
@SRWatSan | Pedro Arrojo Agudo, SR on rights to water and sanitation
@MichaelFakhri | Michael Fakhri, SR on right to food
@AXanthaki | Alexandra Xanthaki, SR on cultural rights
@SRpoverty | Olivier De Schutter, SR on poverty and human rights (also @DeSchutterO)
@ISHRglobal | The International Service for Human Rights
@FranciscansIntl | Franciscans International
@Geneva_Academy | Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
@hrw | Human Rights Watch
@URGthinktank | Universal Rights Group (URG)
@YvesLador | Special Representative of Earthjustice in Geneva
@duycks | Senior Attorney – Climate and Energy Programme at the Center for International Environmental Law
@katha_nina | Katharina Rall, Senior Environment Researcher at Human Rights Watch
@ChildRightsCnct | Child Rights Connect
@CERI_Coalition | Children’s Environmental Rights Initiative (CERI)
@CRINwire | Child Rights International Network