The 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council was held in Geneva from 24 February to 4 April 2025 and concluded with the adoption of various resolutions. SGI representatives contributed to discussions on human rights education (HRE) and the environment.
Human Rights Education
Elisa Gazzotti of SGI, as chair of the NGO Working Group on Human Rights Education and Learning (HREL), helped to draft an oral statement delivered by Sian Bagshaw of the World Scout Movement Organization. The statement, titled "Submission of the national evaluation reports on the implementation of the fourth phase of the World Programme for Human Rights Education (HRE)," is available at the NGO Working Group on HREL's website.
The statement emphasized that human rights education is more vital than ever, particularly amid shifting geopolitical contexts and reduced funding for HRE programs. It highlighted how state actions or inactions can undermine progress and diminish efforts to safeguard human rights.
"In these fragile times, human rights are not a given—they are a continuous struggle. NGOs and CSOs are essential for the success of HRE initiatives. These organizations are often the ones on the ground, directly engaging with learners, and providing education in contexts where governments may be unable to do so. NGOs and civil society organizations must thus be enabled by States, as they contribute to realizing the right to human rights education, a foundational component of the right to education," said Ms. Bagshaw, representative of the World Scout Movement Organization at the UN and secretary of the NGO Working Group on HREL.
Sian Bagshaw of the World Organization of the Scout Movement delivers an oral statement
The NGO Working Group urged States to submit their reports on how they are implementing the Fourth Phase of the World Programme for HRE at the national level by April 15 to the UN Office for Human Rights. The group emphasized the importance of meaningful consultations with civil society and noted that the Fifth Phase presents an opportunity to prioritize children and youth in HRE efforts.
To support this goal, SGI, together with the NGO Working Group on HREL, reached out to States to disseminate their statement and advocate for timely report submissions.
Additionally, SGI co-sponsored an oral statement from another member of the NGO Working Group that focused on music and human rights education, which stated that "of all instructional methodologies, arts and music are among the most effective for HRE," according to Luis de la Calle, representative at the UN.
Among the various side events that Gazzotti participated in, was one organized by the Platform of Member States on Human Rights Education and Training that highlighted the role of HRE in achieving gender equality. Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, spoke on the panel and said, “Investing in human rights education is key to achieving gender equality. It gives women and girls the power to challenge discrimination, lead and shape a more just world. Without it, too many remain excluded, denied their rights and opportunities.”
Meeting of the NGO Working Group on Human Rights and Education with representatives of the OHCHR
Environment
On March 14, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, Astrid Puentes Riaño, presented her report to the Human Rights Council on ocean and human rights, highlighting how ocean issues are inherently human rights issues.
During the interactive dialogue that followed, the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) delivered a joint oral statement on behalf of SGI and other co-sponsors. The statement emphasized the collective responsibility to protect the ocean, on which all species depend, and expressed concern over rising interest in speculative marine geoengineering technologies that may delay real climate action.
Key points from the statement included:
- The ocean has stored over 90% of heat from human-caused climate change and one-third of the world's carbon emissions.
- High-risk marine geoengineering technologies fail to address root causes of climate change.
- States urgently need to phase out fossil fuel reliance, protect vulnerable habitats and align ocean activities with sustainable targets.
- States must uphold the right to a healthy environment by honoring natural biodiversity.
As part of the Geneva Human Rights, Biodiversity and Land Task Force (GeHRBiL), SGI co-organized the Geneva Rights and Environment Talks series focused on ocean and human rights. Alexandra Goossens-Ishii of SGI moderated discussions on "Human Rights and Marine Protected Areas" and on "Human Rights at Sea." Other talks addressed "The Threats of Deep-Sea Mining", "Ocean Defenders and Communities at Risk" and marine pollution.
SGI co-organized the Geneva Rights and Environment Talks series on the theme of oceans and human rights
A specific discussion was also held in preparation of the Third UN Ocean Conference taking place in June 2025, in Nice, France. At this conference, SGI will further advocate for human rights and ethical perspectives to be central to ocean governance discussions.
On Thursday, 3 April, the Human Rights Council adopted by consensus the annual resolution on the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, which focused this year on the ocean and human rights. The resolution recognizes the ocean as a critical component of ensuring the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. It highlights that plastic pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss in marine environments directly threaten human rights and emphasizes that vulnerable populations—particularly those in coastal states, small island developing states and least developed countries—face disproportionate impacts. The resolution also acknowledges ongoing international negotiations on plastic pollution and highlights the role of businesses in respecting human rights standards while addressing climate impacts and marine sustainability.
