During the 60th Human Rights Council, which concluded last October 2025, several interactive dialogues, panels, and side events addressed various key issues related to the environment. In particular, the CCIG participated in “The annual half-day panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples” focused on the context of a just transition to sustainable energy systems. Representatives from several countries across the different continents demanded the need for free, prior and informed consent from Indigenous communities before any private or public project is implemented in the territories they inhabit. They also shared some good practices to ensure consent from indigenous women, youth and the elderly. Moreover, the speakers also highlighted several recommendations, including enhancing the participation of Indigenous Peoples in national debates and decision-making spaces, recognizing tribes, and ending discrimination against their cultures, names and languages. They stressed that these efforts should not only ensure consent, but also provide tangible benefits for them.

Aside from these important panels, the UN Special Rapporteurs also discussed issues regarding the environment in their reports during the 60th Human Rights Council, themes included the Human Rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, where they mention how some energy models unfortunately prioritize making profit over respecting human rights and environmental integrity. 

It is crucial to continue dialogues on environmental issues and related concerns, such as the threats faced by environmental lawyers, the challenges to their advocacy work, and the Human Rights violations that occur when profit-driven projects harm the environment, especially in indigenous territories. We appreciate that these topics were discussed during the 60th session of the Human Rights Council to raise awareness and call to action. We hope to see concrete measures implemented in the future, along with their positive impact on both people and the planet. 

The recording of “The Annual Half-Day Panel Discussion On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples” can be watched on UN Web TV, and the Special Rapporteur’s reports are available here.