UN Human Rights Council 

57^th Session – Item 3

Resolution L.31 – General Comment

Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change

EU General Comment

Mr President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU Member States that are members of the Human Rights Council. This general comment has been agreed by the EU as a whole.

Three years ago, this Council established a landmark UN mandate to address the critical interdependence between the full realisation of human rights and combatting climate change. Since then, the Special Rapporteur has been playing a vital role in increasing understanding and awareness of the human rights dimension of both climate change impacts and of mitigation and adaptation policies. The mandate holder has been instrumental in informing climate actions and policies to fully integrate human rights principles while amplifying the voices of individuals and communities most affected, as well as those on the frontlines in the fight against climate change. With invaluable knowledge and resilience, their participation and leadership is crucial in shaping climate responses.

Mr President,

We all need to reaffirm our commitments under the Paris Agreement. Yet, the world is currently failing to meet climate targets. It is essential to have a dedicated mechanism that strengthens the awareness of human rights implications of climate change and translates them into actions. Such a mechanism must guide global efforts towards solutions that are human rights based, just, equitable, and inclusive. The renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur is both necessary and urgent.

We strongly believe that the mandate has an essential place within this Council, without prejudging or replicating discussions taking place in other international fora, while acting in close cooperation and coordination with other relevant mechanisms and mandate holders.

Mr President,

The presented text is an outcome of intense, transparent, and inclusive negotiations. It strives to keep a carefully calibrated balance between differing views across the globe.

This resolution is presented by a core group bringing together a variety of experiences and optics, while remaining cohesive and united in its mission. We are proud to be part of this group and we express our gratitude and admiration to the work of its members under the leadership of the Marshall Islands, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change.

Today, this Council must send a strong message of unity on the global fight against climate change, which is an existential threat to humankind. We strongly hope that this resolution will be adopted by consensus, bringing all countries closer together and uniting them in their efforts to live up to this global challenge.

Thank you.