Human Rights Council ‒ 60th session

Item 3: Interactive Dialogue on the Secretary-General’s synthesis report on climate change

Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States

18 September 2025

Mr. President,

I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.

We thank the Secretary-General for his report, outlining applicable human rights frameworks to help guide a just transition. The realization of human rights of present and future generations should be at the heart of climate action.

The climate crisis is one of the most urgent challenges the world is facing. It threatens to reverse hard-won gains in human rights and sustainable development, while exacerbating existing inequalities, including gender inequality.

In this regard, international human rights law provides a vital framework for ensuring that transitions not only protect the planet but also uphold human dignity, redress injustices and safeguard those most at risk.

Innovative resources for climate financing are integral to enable vulnerable countries and communities to confront the adverse impacts of climate change. Climate change is not only an environmental crisis, but also a human rights challenge. It threatens the enjoyment of human rights such as the rights to health, food, water, housing and decent work.

A just transition is essential. It must be fair, inclusive, equitable, and firmly rooted in a human rights-based approach.

How can we foster meaningful participation of those most severely affected by climate change, including Indigenous Peoples, women, youth and persons in vulnerable situations, at every stage of transition processes?

I thank you.