A major resolution on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights with a strong reference to Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) was adopted by consensus during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council on 3 April 2025.
The Global Cities Hub (GCH) worked with key States, proposed new language to the text, and interprets this development as a sign of the growing recognition of the role of LRGs in the realization of human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Traditionally one of the most significant and comprehensive texts periodically negotiated by the Human Rights Council, the new elements added this time are a reflection of ongoing efforts to underline the importance of LRGs in fulfilling these rights and objectives.
This year’s resolution carries particular weight. It reflects the urgent economic challenges faced by many countries, including mounting debt burdens, inefficient public services, and rising inequalities affecting children and the most vulnerable. It also makes a clear link between the realization of SDGs and the fulfillment of economic, social and cultural rights and the efficient delivery of public services to all.
The resolution places special emphasis on:
- The need to tackle structural economic inequalities;
- The climate crisis and its link to human rights and sustainable development;
- The need for equitable access to essential services, effective taxation policies, and enhanced development financing;
- The recognition that debt should not impede development and the achievement of the SDGs, which are inherently linked to the fulfilment of human rights;
- The importance of the 4th International conference on Financing for Development and of the 2nd World Social Summit to advance these goals.
Crucially, the resolution includes one operational paragraph which recognize the role of and encourage LRGs in promoting and protecting economic social and cultural rights (OP20). Another important paragraph provides a clear mandate to UN agencies to engage local authorities in order to discuss how to finance sustainable development in a manner consistent with States’ economic, social and cultural rights obligations (OP 30). This resolution marks a significant step forward in anchoring multilevel governance in global human rights efforts and in ensuring that LRGs are part of concrete UN activities on these critical issues.
🎥 Watch the adoption and Member States’ comments during the Human Rights Council plenary session