Environment: What’s Up in GENeva this Week | 24 February – 1 March 2020

43rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council

The 43rd session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC43), is taking place in Geneva from 24 February to 20 March 2020. Among the environmental-related topics on the agenda, the protection of environmental human rights defenders, climate and the latest reports of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Environment. You can follow the Human Right Plenary session on UN TV. #HRC43

The Council will consider a resolution, presented by Norway, to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. In 2019, the Council recognized the critical role of environmental human rights defenders in protecting vital ecosystems, addressing climate change, attaining the sustainable development goals (SDGs). As a follow-up to the HRC Resolution 40/11,a Geneva Road Map seeking to ensure the effective implementation of the right to act for the protection of the environment and to promote free and safe spaces for information and discussion on environmental matters, will be launched this week by the University of Geneva and partners. It will include a 2-day technical workshop, a public dialogue (26 February), and a side event at the Human Rights Council (27 February).

At this session, the Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment, David Boyd, will present his annual report, his country visits to Fiji and Norway, and the good practices reports.

The Civil Society Organizations meeting with Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment and the side event on the Special Rapporteur report on the Good practices on the Right to a Healthy Environment & the next steps will both take place on Friday.

Check the list below for the full list of events at HRC43 discussing environmental-related issues.

Climate & More on the Agenda