Human Rights: A Powerful Tool for Climate Action, UN Rights Chief Affirms
New York, NY – June 30, 2025 – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has highlighted the profound potential of human rights as a “strong lever for progress” in addressing the escalating climate crisis. The statement, released today by the UN Human Rights office, underscores the intrinsic link between a stable climate and the realization of fundamental human rights for all.
The report emphasizes that climate change is not merely an environmental issue, but a significant threat to human dignity, well-being, and survival. Vulnerable populations, including Indigenous peoples, women, children, and those in poverty, are disproportionately affected by the devastating impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and resource scarcity. These impacts often translate into violations of rights to life, health, food, water, housing, and self-determination.
The High Commissioner articulated that integrating a human rights-based approach into climate policies and actions is crucial for ensuring that responses are equitable, just, and effective. This means prioritizing the needs and participation of those most affected, ensuring accountability for climate-related harms, and promoting the right to a healthy environment.
Key to this approach, the UN rights chief outlined, is the recognition that climate action must be inclusive and participatory. Empowering communities to have a voice in decision-making processes related to climate change mitigation and adaptation is essential for developing solutions that are both environmentally sound and respect human rights. This includes ensuring access to information, fostering public participation, and promoting access to justice for those affected by climate-related damages.
Furthermore, the report stresses the responsibility of states to take ambitious climate action and to protect their citizens from the adverse effects of climate change. This includes their obligations under international human rights law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, and implement adaptation measures that safeguard human rights.
The UN Human Rights office also called for greater international cooperation and solidarity to support countries most vulnerable to climate change. Financial and technological assistance, coupled with capacity-building initiatives, are vital to help these nations build resilience and adapt to the changing climate while upholding human rights principles.
In conclusion, the High Commissioner’s message serves as a timely reminder that a robust human rights framework is not an obstacle to climate action, but rather an indispensable guide for developing transformative and sustainable solutions. By placing human rights at the center of climate governance, the international community can forge a path towards a more resilient, just, and habitable future for all.
Human rights can be a ‘strong lever for progress’ in climate change, says UN rights chief
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