Human Rights Council recognizes the role of LRGs

The Global Cities Hub, after participating to the possible extent in the negotiations, commends the adoption of several Human Rights Council (HRC) resolutions on advancing multilateral work on and with local and regional governments (LRGs). They were adopted during the 61^st session of the HRC, held in Geneva from 23 February to 31 March 2026. They reflect a growing openness among Member States to recognize the importance and relevance of LRGs across key policy areas and contribute to shaping the broader UN agenda and intergovernmental consensus. During the negotiations on these resolutions the Global Cities Hub provided inputs about the role of LRGs in advancing human rights and sustainable development paving the road for increased concept of localisation in the universal rights body.

• The resolution on Adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and the right to non-discrimination in this context (L.21), proposed by a cross-regional coalition of States, gives due recognition to the role of LRGs in ensuring access to adequate housing and in implementing policies that directly impact living conditions on the ground (operative paragraph 1 (o)).
• The resolution on human rights of persons in street situations (L.26), also led by a cross-regional coalition of States, explicitly highlights the importance of “a partnership between central and local governments” for action to be taken effectively (p.3, 2^nd last preambular paragraph). This recognition opens the door to multilevel governance in addressing homelessness and social inclusion.
• The resolution on public services (L.18) ‘Promoting human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals through transparent, accountable and efficient public service delivery’ clearly acknowledges the role of all levels of government in public service delivery. Notably, it places particular emphasis on the contribution of local governments, reinforcing their central role in ensuring equitable and accessible services. The HRC decided in the resolution to convene a panel discussion on the role of public service delivery in the promotion and protection of human rights and in the achievement of the SDGs. The panel, to be held in 2027, will be open to LRGs and we encourage them to engage early.
• The resolution on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (L.28) Promotion and protection of human rights and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development promoted by a broad group of Member States, clearly articulates the distinct roles LRGs play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), marking a significant recognition vis-à-vis the localization of SDGs.

The Global Cities Hub is glad that Member States recognize within the HRC that local and regional governments are key partners for the realization of human rights. We will continue to advocate for increased inclusion of LRGs in the international human right system.

📸 UN Photo / Violaine Martin