UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

59^th session

 

Annual panel on adverse impacts of climate change 

30 June 2025

EU statement

The EU welcomes today’s panel discussion, which advances this Council’s work on the human rights impacts of climate change.

We fully support the call for a just transition as a key pathway to address climate change while ensuring the full realization of human rights for all. Climate change and environmental degradation continue to have massive adverse impact on the full and effective enjoyment of human rights across the globe. Those in the most vulnerable situations are disproportionately affected. A just transition must be inclusive and rights-based, ensuring that no one is left behind.

At the EU level, this principle is central to the European Green Deal, through instruments such as the Just Transition Mechanism, which will mobilise up to €55 billion between 2021 and 2027. The Mechanism, which includes also a Just Transition Fund, addresses the social and economic impacts of the transition, targeting the most affected regions and sectors, while supporting individuals through job opportunities and access to clean, affordable energy. 

 Just transition pathways towards net zero and climate resilient societies should contribute to respecting, promoting and fulfilling human rights.

We encourage the inclusion of just transition considerations in climate action  and support partner countries in reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts though our external engagement -whether via the mobilization of climate finance from all sources, capacity building activities and technology transfer, international cooperation or multilateral engagement.  We reiterate our call for a transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner, to achieve net zero by 2050. 

Just transition is not merely a policy choice – it is a moral imperative. 

We look forward to working with global partners to seize its opportunities and meet its challenges.

Thank you.