Sea-level rise is no longer only an environmental concern. Increasingly, it is recognised as a human rights issue, affecting housing, health, livelihoods, cultural heritage and the ability of communities to live safely and with dignity. While the challenge is global, its consequences are felt locally. Cities and regions are already dealing with flooding risks, pressures on infrastructure and difficult decisions about how to protect communities and essential services.
These local realities were at the centre of a side event during the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), organised by the Dominican Republic and the Core Group on Sea-Level Rise and Human Rights, with support from the Geneva Environment Network and the Global Cities Hub. Bringing together perspectives from Member States, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to a Healthy Environment, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), UN-Habitat and the Global Cities Hub, the discussion explored the growing link between sea-level rise, human rights and local governance.
A clear message emerged: local and regional governments are not only responsible for implementing adaptation measures, they also possess knowledge and experience that can strengthen international policymaking. Through their daily work on spatial planning, flood protection, water management and emergency preparedness, they see first-hand how climate impacts affect communities, which responses work in practice and where additional support is needed. Participants also stressed that resilience should be measured not only by infrastructure built or assets protected, but by the ability to protect people’s rights, support vulnerable populations and ensure that no community is left behind.
Against the backdrop of increasing international attention to the human rights implications of sea-level rise, including Human Rights Council Resolution 60/20, the discussion highlighted that effective human rights responses to sea-level rise cannot be developed without the meaningful participation of local and regional governments. Effective responses require cooperation across all levels of government, as well as with international organisations, city networks and other stakeholders.
For the Global Cities Hub, the discussion reinforced a clear point: local and regional governments should not only be seen as implementers of international commitments, but also as partners in shaping them. As discussions on sea-level rise and human rights continue, ensuring that local perspectives inform international decision-making will be essential for developing effective, inclusive and rights-based responses. The upcoming 6th UN Forum of Mayors will provide a unique opportunity for mayors, deputy mayors and city representatives to discuss this and other key global issues at the United Nations in their own capacity.
The Global Cities Hub will continue working with Member States, UN entities and city networks to ensure that the perspectives and expertise of local and regional governments are reflected in multilateral policymaking on sea-level rise.
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