In the week of 21 July 2025, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) hosted a series of meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, aimed at continuing the dialogue on the realization of human rights at the local level. Representatives from the International Centre for the Promotion of Human Rights at the Local and Regional Levels were invited to join discussions with mayors and local governments regarding their experiences, challenges, and best practices in implementing economic, social, and cultural rights, particularly in the context of becoming a Human Rights City.
Klaus Starl and Markus Möstl from the Centre applauded the presentation of the Guidance framework for creating a Human Rights City by Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Emilia Sáiz, Secretary General of United Cities and Local Government. This framework represents a significant milestone in recognizing the vital role of local governments in the realization of human rights and provides the first UN guidance on how to establish a Human Rights City.
Further discussions at the events focused on how to ensure that budget revenues, allocations, and expenditures at the sub-national level reflect human rights obligations and principles. This topic will be the central theme of our next Academy and Conference in February 2026.
Overall, the event significantly contributed to the ongoing development of the Centre’s partnerships with local governments, the UN human rights system, city networks, civil society, and academia. It also provided a timely opportunity to discuss the next steps in the Human Rights City process.
