Together with the Centre for International Environmental Law (CIEL), we published the synthesis note on "States' Human Rights Obligations in the Context of Climate Change: Guidance Provided by the UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies," a flagship annual publication that provides insights on the content of Human Rights Treaty Bodies (HRTBs) outputs about the climate emergency during 2023.

The synthesis note expands on earlier reports by CIEL and GI-ESCR by including updated information and analysis on the 2023 activities of Human Rights Treaty Bodies with a specific focus on climate change. Our study focuses on the work of the seven Human Rights Treaty Bodies whose mandates are most related to climate change. 

The synthesis note covers Human Rights Treaty Bodies' outputs related to climate change, stemming from General Comments, the State Reporting Procedures, and Individual Communications.

Interestingly, from our analysis, we have observed an increasing number of outputs by CESCR calling on States to adopt efficient, progressive, and socially just fiscal policies to finance the realisation of economic, social, and cultural rights. Moreover, Human Rights Treaty Bodies continued addressing the need to ensure a just transition away from fossil fuels, requiring States to transform their energy systems. In particular, the CRC called on States to "phase out from fossil fuels and ensure a fair and just transition."

This publication aims to enhance the accessibility and distribution of the work of Human Rights Treaty Bodies and to provide NGOs, activists, experts, and other practitioners with additional tools to advocate for effective climate action. By preparing the synthesis note, we keep our commitment to strengthening the work of UN bodies.