Blog of Pascale Muylaert, SI UN Representative Designate in Geneva.
As we anticipate the upcoming 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, it’s crucial to reflect on the significant discussions and outcomes of the previous session held earlier this year. The 56th session laid bare the ongoing global challenges and provided a platform for critical dialogue on issues ranging from armed conflicts to climate change, and rising inequality. As the world gears up for the next round of deliberations, revisiting the insights and actions from HRC56 offers valuable context and underscores the urgent need for continued and enhanced global cooperation in addressing human rights issues.
The 56th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC56) opened on June 18, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland, marking another critical moment in the ongoing global dialogue on human rights. This session brought together diplomats, human rights advocates, and civil society leaders to address some of the most pressing issues facing humanity today. Among them was Pascale Muylaert, SI UN Representative Designate in Geneva, who closely observed the session and highlighted the key takeaways from the global update delivered by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Türk.
Finding a way to Peace
At the heart of Mr. Türk’s address was a condemnation of the continued prevalence of armed conflicts worldwide, conflicts that have not only destabilised nations but have also led to egregious violations of human rights. The statistics shared by the High Commissioner were alarming: civilian deaths in armed conflicts surged by 72% in 2023. Most disturbingly, the casualties included twice as many women and three times as many children compared to the previous year. The ongoing conflicts in regions such as Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Haiti, and Myanmar were highlighted, each with their own tragic stories of human suffering and rights violations.
The global community has also witnessed a staggering increase in military expenditures, with war funding experiencing the steepest year-on-year rise since 2009. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid—crucial for the survival of millions—remains woefully underfunded, covering just 60% of the necessary requirements. This disparity underscores the urgent need for a collective rethinking of our global priorities, emphasising peace and human rights over conflict and militarisation.
The Impact of Climate change, Biodiversity Loss and Pollution on the Most Vulnerable People and Countries
Another critical issue addressed at HRC56 was the intersection of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and their disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable populations and countries. Mr. Türk stressed that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a human rights crisis, exacerbating existing challenges such as food insecurity, structural discrimination, and resource scarcity.
In Africa, for instance, persistent droughts threaten to decimate harvests, pushing millions further into poverty and hunger. The High Commissioner called for a more integrated approach, one that incorporates human rights considerations into environmental analyses and modelling. By doing so, we can better predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change, ensuring that our responses are timely, effective, and equitable.
Rising Inequality
The global landscape of inequality has become even more pronounced in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Oxfam, a staggering 60% of humanity has become poorer since the pandemic began, with the global poverty rate doubling from 12.9% in 2021 to 25.9% in 2023. The economic disparities between men and women have also widened significantly, with the wealth gap now standing at an astounding USD 100 trillion.
These figures serve as a stark reminder that the fight against inequality is far from over. They also highlight the need for urgent and sustained efforts to address the root causes of poverty and inequality, including systemic discrimination and unequal access to resources.
Looking ahead: Pledges and Treaties Progressing Human Rights
Despite the daunting challenges outlined above, there were also moments of hope and progress at HRC56. Notably, recent actions taken by various treaty bodies have demonstrated a growing commitment to human rights, particularly in the context of environmental protection. The European Court of Human Rights issued a landmark ruling reaffirming the obligation of States to protect against the impacts of climate change, while the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea delivered an advisory opinion emphasizing the importance of limiting global temperature rises to a maximum of 1.5°C.
In another significant development, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights set a precedent by holding a State accountable for violating the right to a healthy environment. These judicial decisions are more than just legal milestones; they represent a broader recognition that environmental rights are, indeed, fundamental human rights.
Conclusion: A Cautious Optimism
The close of HRC56 left us with a mixed sense of urgency and cautious optimism. The challenges we face—whether in the form of armed conflicts, climate change, or rising inequality—are undeniably formidable. Yet, the progress made in the realm of human rights, particularly through international legal frameworks, offers a beacon of hope.
Moving forward, it is imperative that the global community continues to build on these achievements, striving to create a world that is not only more equitable and just but also sustainable for future generations. The path ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with collective action and unwavering commitment, a better future remains within our reach.