{"id":21824,"date":"2024-10-30T16:04:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-30T15:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalcitieshub.org\/?p=21824"},"modified":"2024-11-14T11:37:48","modified_gmt":"2024-11-14T10:37:48","slug":"un-human-rights-council-highlights-role-of-local-governments-in-advancing-human-rights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalcitieshub.org\/en\/un-human-rights-council-highlights-role-of-local-governments-in-advancing-human-rights\/","title":{"rendered":"UN Human Rights Council highlights role of local governments in advancing human rights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council concluded recently, it marked a milestone with the adoption of impactful resolutions focused on local governance. Notably, the resolutions on Good Governance<\/a> and Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation<\/a> underscored the importance of all levels of governance in promoting human rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, central to all discussions on local and regional governments was the Council\u2019s unique resolution dedicated exclusively to Local Government and Human Rights<\/strong><\/a>\u2014one of the rare ones within the entire United Nations system that focuses specifically on the topic of local governments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This unique text and negotiation, led by the Republic of Korea, Chile, Egypt, and Romania\u2014called the “core group” of States that initiated the topic by proposing to other States a first draft for negotiations\u2014received backing from 63 additional states from all regions of the United Nations. This broad support reflects a growing consensus on the recognition of the role that local governments play in protecting human rights at the local level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On October 29, a dedicated webinar gathered interested municipalities worldwide to discuss this resolution’s implementation and future actions. Representatives from Korea and Chile, two of the core countries promoting the resolution, addressed participants alongside UN implementing bodies OHCHR and UN-Habitat. Representatives from the United Nations Office of the High-Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and UN-Habitat also contributed to the resolution\u2019s foundational support and the ongoing discussion on its implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his remarks, Woohyun Kang, the representative from the Republic of Korea, explained the main elements of the resolution, and stressed that while local governments do not formally participate in the negotiations, their understanding and input is important in implementing the resolution at local level, and emphasized the role of other stakeholders, including national human rights institutions, in the process of implementation. In this regard, Mr. Kang appreciated that Korea had an opportunity to introduce this resolution to local governments and encouraged their enhanced participation in future discussions and consultations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was mentioned also that this year\u2019s focus of the resolution on the digitalization of cities, including smart cities projects, underscores the role of local governments in placing human rights at the centre of such developments, harnessing its opportunities while mitigating its risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UN-Habitat’s representative noted that \u201cnational and municipal investments in new technologies and smart cities can benefit all if designed appropriately. Human rights principles, including privacy, should guide technological implementation to support even the most vulnerable\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the session, the representative of OHCHR announced a forthcoming call for contributions, inviting local and regional governments to share best promising practices for implementing this resolution. Interested entities may reach out via email to janica.puisto@un.org<\/a> or consult the official website at www.ohchr.org<\/a> for more details on the 57th session resolutions. Further details will be published on OHCHR\u2019s website in due course. Looking forward, OHCHR plans to hold a one-day panel discussion next year to continue advancing these discussions, and the Global Cities Hub will work closely with local governments and their networks worldwide to support their implementation efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local and regional governments seeking further information are encouraged to contact the Global Cities Hub, which remains committed to supporting these entities in understanding and implementing this resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Video<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n