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The 63rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council #HRC came to a close in Geneva after a busy session: Many environment-related topics were discussed in and outside official sessions, from the right to a #HealthyEnvironmentForAll to climate finance, sea-level rise, toxics & AI. Here’s a look back 🧵👇

#HRC63 marks 5 years since the #HRC recognized the human right to a clean, healthy & sustainable environment. We celebrated this landmark achievement & took stock of the progress still needed to turn recognition into implementation, starting with a binding treaty at the @coe.int.

We were proud to co-organize a #HRC63 event marking the 5-year anniversary of the recognition of the right to a #HealthyEnvironmentForAll. We celebrated progress, reflected on lessons learned, and looked ahead to the next five years of implementation. www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/events/a-cel...

We also reflected on what Europe can do. Our new op-ed makes the case for the @coe.int to recognize the right to a #HealthyEnvironmentForAll through a binding legal instrument. Europe should help turn global recognition into effective protection for everyone. genevasolutions.news/opinions/fiv...

Environmental human rights defenders #EHRDs remain among those most at risk. Costa Rica delivered a statement, co-sponsored by 39 States, calling for better protection & for the safe, meaningful & inclusive participation of EHRDs in decision-making incl. #COP31, #COP17 & #GFCIC1.

#EHRDs face grave risks for their work, including killings, arbitrary detention, criminalization, and #SLAPPs. Some also face reprisals for engaging in international climate fora. Those defending the environment must be protected & empowered. Their participation matters.

Sea level rise was also discussed . 🌊 A side event on sea level rise & coastal areas was held: www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/events/coast.... 🌊 And the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee presented its ongoing work, including on the human rights implications of sea level rise.

Read more in our new brief about the legal obligations to prevent and repair climate harm in the context of sea level rise: www.ciel.org/reports/sea-... 👇👇

#ClimateFinance was also on the agenda. The UN Secretary-General’s report examined actionable pathways to mobilize sufficient climate finance to fully realize human rights. Our statement highlighted the need for finance to be 🌀Adequate 🌀Accessible 🌀Equitable 🌀Rights-based.

Climate finance isn't only a question of numbers. It's also about having enough resources & whether frontline communities can access them & have a meaningful say in how those resources are allocated. Importantly, solutions like #CarbonMarkets are NOT climate finance!

#HRC63 marked 60 years of the International Covenants on: 🇺🇳Civil & Political Rights, & 🇺🇳Economic, Social & Cultural Rights. We joined a panel discussion on the Covenants to highlight how these treaties have contributed and can continue to contribute to environmental protection.

The new Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, Bethanie Carney Almroth, held her first interactive dialogue at the Council. www.ciel.org/news/bethani...

#HRC63 renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Toxics but would only invite her to report to the UN General Assembly every 2 years, rather than yearly. This has already happened to other Special Procedures & we regret that this will result in less interaction with NY-based processes.

We also brought attention to another growing threat: disinformation. Our #HRC63 side event explored how disinformation can undermine human rights and environmental action. Read the report back: www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/events/corpo...

The UN Human Rights Council also adopted a resolution on the implications of artificial intelligence for human rights. Importantly, it recognizes that #AI systems can adversely affect the enjoyment of a clean, healthy & sustainable environment throughout their life cycle.

The environmental footprint of AI includes: 💧Water & energy consumption 🌡️Greenhouse gas emissions ⛏️Extraction of critical minerals 🌱Land use ♻️Electronic waste The impacts can fall disproportionately on communities already facing resource scarcity and climate vulnerability.