The recent series of human rights engagements at the UN Office in Geneva concluded with the closing of the 57th session. In preparation for the event, the UN in Geneva attempted to address issues with its online portal, though the result was still unsatisfactory. Due to these digital misconfigurations, VIVAT International’s (VI) two slots for delivering oral statements were affected.
Despite these challenges, VI effectively met its responsibilities. Here is an overview of key events from the 57th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council:
ITEM 3 – Interactive Dialogue on the Secretary-General’s Analytical Study on the Impact of Loss and Damage
On September 13, VI’s statement emphasized the alarming trillions of dollars that poorer countries will need to address climate change. While military expenditures among wealthier states far exceed these estimates, these nations have yet to meet their commitment of mobilizing $100 billion annually for climate action and adaptation, which remains drastically underfunded.
The coalition called on states to commit at COP29 to:
- Establishing a New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance, based on grants rather than loans, proportionate to actual needs for loss, damage, mitigation, and adaptation.
- Mobilizing necessary funds through progressive, equity-based taxation as outlined by the Secretary-General.
- Implementing a just transition away from fossil fuel subsidies.
- Restructuring and canceling existing debts.
The co-signatories also urged states to update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by early 2025, planning alongside affected communities to develop human rights-based policies and financial frameworks for those impacted by climate-related losses and damages. These updated NDCs must prioritize adaptation while safeguarding the rights of climate-displaced individuals, including those crossing borders. The statement underscored that raising global emissions reductions from 2% by 2030 to 43% is essential to remain within the 1.5°C warming limit.
UPR Spain
On October 11, 2024, VIVAT International collaborated with VIVAT España to submit a Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report on Spain. This report addresses pressing human rights issues concerning the treatment of migrants within Spain’s Foreigners’ Internment Centers (CIEs). Research conducted by NGOs and advocacy groups, in partnership with VIVAT International, identified two main areas of concern:
- Human rights abuses by police within CIEs and the limited NGO access to these facilities.
- Inadequate healthcare services for detained migrants.
The report proposes targeted recommendations to enhance the human rights conditions for CIE detainees. Data collected firsthand by collaborating NGOs supports the credibility of the submission, covering developments across the last two UPR cycles for Spain.
Statements Co-Sponsored by VIVAT International
Statements co-signed by VI’s Geneva office alongside partner organizations include:
ITEM 3: General Debate
In partnership with Edmund Rice International and other co-sponsors, VI commended the Government of India and the State of Andhra Pradesh for their progress in increasing elementary school enrollment and reducing the number of out-of-school children. India’s National Education Policy aims to reduce dropout rates by bolstering foundational education.
ITEM 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development
APG23 and co-signing NGOs welcomed the report from the Expert Mechanism, including its thematic study on the Right to Development’s individual and collective dimensions. The coalition expressed regret that UN budgetary constraints hindered the Mechanism’s mandate fulfillment, resulting in canceled country study visits, reduced member participation in international meetings, and limited involvement of expert guests in sessions.
ITEM 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development
APG23 and the co-signing NGOs commended Mr. Surya Deva’s report, which centered on children’s and future generations’ right to development. The coalition valued the proposed five action pillars and four policy shifts to foster a human rights-supportive ecosystem for future generations.
VIVAT Co-Sponsored Statements with the Holy See Permanent Mission
ITEM 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development (Geneva, 18 September 2024)
The Holy See Delegation and co-signing entities acknowledged the Special Rapporteur’s report on children’s and future generations’ “Right to Development.” The Holy See emphasized that true development must respect every individual in all dimensions and that the right to development encompasses the universality, indivisibility, and interrelatedness of all human rights.
The Holy See noted that the right to development has implications for both present and future generations, as Pope Francis frequently underscores. However, it raised concerns over proposals to extend the concept of future generations to include plants, animals, and fungi. While acknowledging humanity’s interconnectedness with all creation, the Holy See affirmed that only human beings hold rights per the UN Charter, the UDHR, and international instruments. It reiterated that humans, created in the image of God, possess inviolable dignity and a unique stewardship role that must be honored.
71st Trade and Development Board Meeting of UNCTAD (Geneva, 16-20 September 2024)
The statement emphasized that current global inequalities prevent many developing nations from eradicating poverty, as they must allocate limited resources to unsustainable debt repayment. Effective investment facilitation is vital to ensuring resources reach areas of need. Three elements were highlighted:
- Promoting socially responsible business practices alongside profit-making.
- Streamlining administrative procedures to lower costs and attract investors.
- Establishing transparent regulatory frameworks to build investor confidence while protecting local communities’ rights.
76th Executive Session of UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Board (Geneva, 31 October 2024)
The Holy See praised UNCTAD’s efforts in analyzing how digitalization, innovative financing, and technology can support the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in developing nations, helping them integrate into regional and global value chains.
