HRC59: The Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the context of Climate Change
The 59th Session of the Human Rights Council
16 June – 9 July 2025
Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on climate change
30 June 2025
By Prishika Adhira Bhoyroo / GICJ
Executive Summary
The new global economy has provoked a significant number of negative effects on the overall wellbeing of our Earth particularly in regards to its climate. Accordingly, on 30 June 2025, the Human Rights Council convened to discuss the report (A/HRC/59/42) of Ms. Elisa Morgera, the Special Rapporteur (SR) on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change.
During the dialogue, she raised concerns about the global dependency on fossil fuels, namely heightening the need for economies across the world to develop and adopt strategies towards defossilisation. Interestingly, the dialogue was centred around two contrasting viewpoints: some States agreed with the SR’s report and argued in favor of defossilisation. However, other States firmly maintained their position and pointed out that fossil fuels remain a main source of revenue for many low and middle-income states.
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) expresses deep concern for the impacts of climate change on the livelihood of humans across the world. As such, GICJ welcomes and aligns with the report of the SR by recognising the urgency for global appeal to implement defossilisation strategies and assessing energy demands. Moreover, we urge the Council, as well as Member States, to take action to ensure effective human rights protection from the negative impacts of climate change.
Background
The issue of climate change (CC) has grown in importance in recent years- the changes in the Earth’s climate, weather pattern and nature’s balance are increasingly putting at stake the promotion and protection of human rights on the international scale. Floods, extreme temperatures, and droughts have become frequent occurrences which caused the highest number of new displacements recorded in the past 16 years.
Commenting on CC, research has consistently shown that fossil fuels (coil, gas, and oil) are the driving contributors of CC: in fact, fossil fuels equate to over 75 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and approximately 90 per cent of all carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, fossil fuel production and distribution account for 35 per cent of methane emissions, which are responsible for the increase of the global temperature since the Industrial Revolution. Despite this, the use and abuse of fossil fuels have clear repercussions on the livelihood of the Indigenous People in the Arctic and cause air pollution in South-East Asia and in the Northern and Eastern African region. Thus, global efforts are actively being implemented to slow down the adverse effects of CC. These include the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change amongst others. Together the above outline the commitment of the United Nations along with other international bodies in combatting CC and promoting the full enjoyment of human rights.
In this regard, on 11 October 2024, Resolution 57/31 [1]was adopted by the Human Rights Council to renew the mandate of Mrs. Elisa Morgera, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change. The latter’s previous rigorous reports have been committed to highlighting and clarifying human rights issues and obligations in relation to climate change in international human rights processes.
Summary of the Special Rapporteur’s Report
The report of Mrs. Elisa Morgera titled: “The imperative of defossilising our economies” [2] thoroughly details how fossil fuels are a consequent impingement to human rights (notably the rights to health, food, water, life, self-determination, education and work, and cultural rights). In spite of the global recognition for the phase out of fossil fuels and the Pact for the Future, the use and extraction of fossil fuels are projected to keep increasing. As such, the report highlights that the intergenerational human rights’ impacts of the fossil fuel life cycle, combined with decades of climate obstruction, require an urgent defossilisation of global economies.
The SR elaborates in her report that the defossilisation of economies cannot be limited to replacing the use of fossil fuels in the private sector: it is imperative to move beyond the “carbon tunnel vision”. Accordingly, it stands as an imperative eliminating dependence on fossil fuels across all sectors of the economy, including industries involved in the production of plastic and petrochemicals, agriculture (e.g., fossil-fuel based fertilizers), and addressing the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and toxic pollution.
A central issue brought up in the report is the significant role that fossil fuel companies play in global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and the substantial financial support they receive through subsidies. In fact, since the Paris Agreement in 2016, the world’s largest banks have financed fossil fuels with approximately $6.9 trillion, including underwriting and loans to over 4,200 fossil fuel companies. Unfortunately, the financing continues despite many banks engaging in climate initiatives, which helps companies obscure their fossil fuel investments by using general-purpose lending or subsidiaries: an issue labeled as green-washing. It can be understood that tax evasion and financial secrecy are identified as enabling fossil fuel expansion by diverting funds that could be used for adaptation and addressing loss and damage.
Moreover, Mrs. Morgera’s report reminds that States across the globe have the responsibility to take concrete action to phase out fossil fuel dependency and develop effective and sustainable strategies for a just transition that takes into consideration human rights, with a particular attention to those who are more vulnerable (including small island developing States, Indigenous Peoples and people of African descent, and small-scale fishers impaired by loss of territories, unsafe climatic conditions and severe ecosystem degradation). Taken all together, the report argues that phasing out fossil fuels is not just an environmental imperative, but a fundamental human rights obligation that requires immediate and comprehensive action from both states and businesses. The SR throughout her report lays out several recommendations to States, fossil fuels companies and international organisations.
Additionally, the SR presented another report on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of CC on her country visit to Vanuatu [3], an archipelago situated in the South Pacific Ocean nestled between Fiji and Australia. The Vanuatu report illustrates that even minimal contributors to global emissions can be deeply affected by climate injustice and climate-related human rights violations. Once again, Mrs. Morgera affirmed that fossil fuel phase-out is framed as a universal human rights imperative linked to climate justice- Vanuatu’s island communities are facing existential threats from sea-level rise, cyclones, coastal erosion, salinisation, and freshwater contamination. These changes in the climate compromise access to safe drinking water, food security, and health. Finally, the report sets out recommendations to strengthen Vanuatu’s human rights condition and ensure that those most affected by CC are effectively protected, particularly children.
Interactive Dialogue
Opening Statements
The Special Rapporteur, Ms. Morgera,opened the dialogue by reminding the Council that change towards a safer climate is achievable despite having experienced the ten hottest years in recorded history, and crossing the 1.5C global average temperature in 2024. She affirmed that States must be in a position to prioritise actions and make decisions that are hypothesised to have the highest, scientifically proven capacity to protect the human rights of present and future generations.
She elaborated with a thought-provoking statement: “Fossil fuels are everywhere: in our food systems, in our ocean and in our bodies, including in our brains – in many cases, without us knowing or choosing for them to be in our lives. They negatively impact a range of human rights from the point of exploration to that of waste management and decommissioning, further exacerbating climate change impacts.”.
In this light, she affirmed that the clarification of human rights in her report is in line with international duty to cooperate in the implementation of defossilisation action- the failure towards such transitional justice approaches are bound to have severe impacts on human rights including on health and culture.
Statement of the Country Concerned
The delegate of Vanuatu affirmed their appreciation for the SR’s interest in small developing States and documenting the live realities of their people. They welcomed the SR’s report’s acknowledgement of the profound and interconnected ways in which CC is strengthening the impediment of fundamental rights. They reminded the Council that Vanuatu was the first nation to call for a social-field treaty at the United Nation in 2022 and encouraged states to implement this treaty.
Country and Group Statements
The representative of the European Union (EU) expressed that the EU is strongly committed in discussions on improving the human rights’ access to a clean, healthy, as well as a sustainable environment. The latter elaborated that the EU remains committed to ensuring a just transition that is effective, human rights-based, and transformative. Furthermore, they reiterated their initiative towards rapidly phasing fossil fuel subsidies which do not address energy poverty or just transition- this includes identifying which subsidies to phase out, determining how to redirect resulting savings to decarbonisation efforts, and ensuring adequate support for those in vulnerable situations. Notably, the EU affirmed that they are working towards making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.
The representative of Bahrain, speaking on behalf of The Arab Group, noted the Special Rapporteur report and voiced deep concern about climate change impact on human rights. The delegation stated that fossil fuel revenue serves as the economic backbone for many low- and middle-income states; an abrupt disruption would hinder realisation of economic and social rights. The statement rejected a uniform transition model, urged recognition of historical responsibility and common but differentiated responsibilities, and called on industrialised states to finance action in least developed states, transfer technology, and activate the loss and damage fund.
The delegate of Kuwait, speaking on behalf of The Gulf Cooperation Council delegation, warned that any drive to curb fossil fuel use without respect for needs in the global South would hamper growth. The delegation insisted that progress toward defossilisation must advance through realistic and gradual steps, guided by common but differentiated responsibilities and national capacities. The statement reminded the Council that it lacks authority to prescribe climate policy and urged sincere cooperation through technology transfer and capacity support grounded in solidarity rather than division.
The delegate of Ghana on behalf of the African Group shared their concern for the devastating impacts of CC on the African continent, especially due to the fact that the continent contributes the least to CC but is unfortunately the most affected by its dramatic and devastating effects. In this light, the delegate affirmed that the African Union is implementing the 2022-2032 Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan- this initiative aims to define a continental framework for collective action on CC, whilst improving quality of life and well-being, promoting adaptive capacity, and lastly achieving sustainable, low-emission economic growth.
The delegate of Azerbaijan reminded the Council that one of the key themes that emerged from Baku was that the energy transition must be both ambitious and fair - anchored in international solidarity and responsive to countries’ diverse national circumstances. Azerbaijan continued the statement by saying it is equally important to acknowledge the development of energy realities of different countries. The delegate deplored that for various developing economies, including Azerbaijan, fossil fuels remain at the heart of energy security, economic stability, and social development. Accordingly, Azerbaijan has developed its national strategy to transition to a low-carbon economy as well as investing in renewable sources of energy. Moreover, they set out to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050. Deeply engaged in their role as COP29 Presidency, the delegate affirmed his country’s determination to play their part in raising awareness and mobilizing support for driving the actions for effective implementation.
The representative of Maldives, as a small island developing State, expressed their concern for combatting the harsh daily lived realities of climate-induced threats. The representative emphasised their strong ambition to reduce emissions, targeting 33% renewable electricity generation and promoting energy-efficient renewable technologies across all sectors. Moreover, the delegate affirmed that a just transition must be inclusive, adopting gender-responsive strategies to empower women and also encouraging vulnerable groups to actively participate in the shift to renewable energy.
The delegate of Mauritius affirmed his country’s commitment to a resilient and carbon neutral economy and called for aligning with just transition pathways with processors like the SDGs. Furthermore, the delegate stated that the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies and tax exemptions must be done in a responsible manner that leaves no one behind.
In contrast to the majority of the States present at the Council, the delegate of Saudi Arabia begged to differ - stating that the SR departed from the mandate. Moreover, the delegate declared that the call for universal abandonment of fossil fuels ignores development priorities and national contexts. The SR’s statement decried superficial reference to common but differentiated responsibilities and failed to underline the greater historical responsibility of industrialised states. Additionally, the latter stated that resource dependent states need flexibility in transition design plus substantive support through finance and technology transfer. For many states fossil fuel extraction remains an existential path out of poverty, enables provision of fundamental rights and strengthens resilience.
The delegate of Zambia aligned with the African Group statement and thanked the Special Rapporteur for her report. The delegate stated that climate change undermines enjoyment of human rights, but fossil fuel revenue remains vital for many less developed states. An abrupt shift away from these resources would harm their economies and impede human rights realisation. Zambia agreed to the urgency of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and called for a gradual, equitable transition guided by common but differentiated responsibilities and national capacities. The delegate urged all relevant parties to honour their commitments and obligations in the fight against climate change.
The representative of Oman thanked the SR and stressed the need to place climate justice at the core of global efforts, through a direct link between climate action and respect for human rights. The delegate acknowledged the impact of climate change on low-and-middle income states and at-risk groups and advocated for a fair distribution of burdens and national strategies to cut carbon emissions. Moreover, Oman outlined domestic measures that aim for carbon neutrality by 2050, which include expansion of solar, wind, and green hydrogen projects, adoption of carbon-capture technology, and restoration of coastal ecosystems. Furthermore, she urged for a pragmatic path that phases out fossil fuels in a manner that preserves economic stability and called for constructive dialogue and multilateral cooperation to safeguard the planet for future generations.
The delegate of Iraq expressed his concern for climate and environmental pressure, such as water scarcity and sandstorms. Accordingly, the delegate outlined ambitious national climate plans and renewable energy projects across every sector - urging a balanced path that respects varied development levels and declaring that any fossil-fuel phase-out must come only with fair alternatives. While questioning the blanket net-zero targets in the report of the SR, they affirmed that a just transition would be the soundest solution.
In a similar vein, the representative of Libya recognised that CC continues to impede on human rights, mainly in States that contrastingly least contribute to these changes, thus he called for equity-based solutions. Libya stressed that fossil fuels remain a key source of revenue for many states under development and abolition would curtail capacity to realise human and economic rights. The delegate affirmed that developed states must finance climate measures in least developed states, in line with historical responsibility and the principle of common but differentiated responsibility. Libya seeks international cooperation for collective solutions through technical assistance, finance for the Loss and Damage Fund, and transfer of technology and capacity.
The representatives of Algeria stated that the SR’s report advances a unilateral stance that isolates fossil fuels and pressured States under development, contradicting the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, and threatening economic and social rights. Additionally, the delegate implied that insertion of fossil fuel language in human rights ignores the bottom-up structure of the Paris Agreement and distorts developmental and energy realities in Algeria and similar States. Algeria expressed concern that selection of particular sectors as sole climate culprits conflicts with the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Finally, the delegate recalled that human rights duties must respect diverse national contexts and uphold the right to development and asserted that climate action must respect every State's sovereign right to decide its own pathway under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
Statements by NGOs and Civil Society
Many of the representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) aligned with the report of the SR and highlighted the devastative effects of global fossil fuel dependency while expressing their concern for the sustainment of human rights across the globe in view of the changes in climate. They further called onto wealthier States to contribute more significantly to climate initiatives.
Furthermore, NGOs expressed their concern for the jeopardization of environmental lawyers who are facing escalating attacks which severely undermines their safety. This, unfortunately, leaves vulnerable communities without legal assistance, thus they appealed to the Council and the SR to take initiatives to protect environmental lawyers.
Concluding Remarks
The SR on Climate Change concluded the session by reminding the Council that her report goes beyond understanding fossil fuel as a cause of CC and the impacts of CC on human rights- it also draws on other areas of evidence that demonstrate fossil fuels in their full life cycle. She reiterated that children and women are those most affected by the health impacts of fossil fuel production burning.
She urged all States to share their lessons about their phase out laws so that support can be provided to developing countries, vulnerable communities as well as to small developing islands. She stated that there is still a significant number of people who are without access to energy but equally also in terms of economic equalities. She closed the session with a powerful statement:
“It’s essential through this process of questioning how our economies have evolved to really understand who’s left behind and how it is linked to fossil fuels.”
Position of Geneva International Centre for Justice
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) welcomes and aligns with the report of the Special Rapporteur. In this light, GICJ expresses its concern for the harmful impediment of climate change on human rights on the international scale: small developing islands, Indigenous people and minorities are unfortunately the most vulnerable. As such, GICJ believes that it is the responsibility and duty of the international community to take action for a just transition but also to develop strategies that ensure the elimination of the dependence on fossil fuels across all sectors of the economy. Moreover, GICJ remains alarmed about the consequences of fossil fuel dependency and calls upon all States to implement actions towards inline with the SR’s report: the complete phase out of fossil fuel dependency.
Sources
[1] http://undocs.org/A/HRC/RES/57/31
