Human Rights

Policy Brief 138, 27 March 2025

Will the Global Digital Compact ensure an equitable future for Developing Countries?

By Daniel Uribe

The Global Digital Compact (GDC), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, aims to establish a framework for equitable digital transformation, particularly for developing countries. While the GDC acknowledges the importance of human rights, bridging the digital divide, and ensuring a just transition, it faces significant challenges in addressing structural inequalities and implementing robust accountability mechanisms. This paper examines the GDC’s potential to foster an inclusive digital future, highlighting the necessity of addressing fundamental rights, promoting business accountability through a legally binding instrument, and recognising the interconnectedness of digital inclusion with access to essential resources like energy, education, and healthcare.

(more…)

South Centre Input to UNSG Report on Implementation of UNGA Resolution A/RES/79/7, March 2025

Contribución del Centro Sur al Informe del Secretario General de las Naciones Unidas sobre la aplicación de la Resolución A/RES/79/7 de la Asamblea General sobre la “Necesidad de poner fin al bloqueo económico, comercial y financiero impuesto por los Estados Unidos de América contra Cuba”

Esta contribución del Centro Sur se presenta en respuesta a la solicitud del Secretario General como un aporte al informe del Secretario General de acuerdo a la resolución A/RES/79/7, con respecto a la imposición de medidas económicas, financieras y comerciales unilaterales por parte de los Estados Unidos de América, contra Cuba, en violación de los principios básicos de la Carta de las Naciones Unidas y el Derecho Internacional.

(more…)

HRC58 Side Event, 13 March 2025

The Role of Peasant Women

The Function of the UNDROP in the Realization of the Right to Food

Side-Event to the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council

Co-organized by the South Centre

Date & Time: 13 March, 13-14h

Venue: Room XXII, Palais des Nations/United Nations Office in Geneva

(more…)

SC Submission to the SR on Climate Change – Fossil Fuel-based Economy & Human Rights, February 2025

Fossil Fuel-based Economy and Human Rights

Inputs to Inform the Thematic Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Climate Change to the Human Rights Council 59th session

South Centre

February 2025

The South Centre calls for a Just Transition away from fossil fuels, centering the rights of marginalized communities & the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

(more…)

SC Inputs to the Expert Mechanism on the RtD Study, February 2025

Inputs to the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development Study on Climate Justice, Sustainability, and the Right to Development

February 2025

The South Centre inputs to the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development Study on Climate Justice, Sustainability, and the Right to Development makes a call for upholding Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDRRC) in ensuring a just transition, protecting the human rights of the most affected populations and reforming Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanisms that threaten climate action.

(more…)

SC input on update to technical guidance pursuant to HRC resolution 54/16, February 2025

Input on the update to the technical guidance on the application of a human rights-based approach to the elimination of preventable maternal mortality and morbidity pursuant to HRC resolution 54/16

February 2025

Maternal mortality is a global crisis. The South Centre input calls for urgent action: addressing intersectional discrimination, improving the quality of care, and tackling root causes like poverty, and to guarantee that every woman has access to a safe childbirth.

(more…)

SC Statement on the Inclusion of Cuba on the List of Country Sponsors of Terrorism, 5 February 2025

South Centre Statement on the Inclusion of Cuba on the List of Country Sponsors of Terrorism by the Trump Administration in January 2025

The recent decision by the Donald Trump administration in January 2025 to reinstate Cuba on the list of countries sponsoring terrorism has raised criticisms and reactions in the international community highlighting the stark injustice of this decision. This unjustifiable decision constitutes a violation of international law that aggravates the already delicate economic and social situation of the island. The South Centre joins the voices of the international community in strongly rejecting this arbitrary and unjust measure.

(more…)

SC Submission to OHCHR for HRC resolution 50/13, January 2025

Submission by the South Centre to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Inputs for the comprehensive report on ensuring access to medicines, vaccines and other health products (HRC resolution 50/13)

January 2025

The South Centre has provided input for the OHCHR report on new developments and challenges in ensuring access to medicines, vaccines and other health products.

(more…)

South Centre Report – UCMs Overcompliance Consultation, January 2025

Combatting overcompliance with unilateral coercive measures – Discussions from South Centre Consultation

By Yuefen Li and Danish

In view of the severe negative impacts of unilateral coercive measures (UCMs) on targeted countries and the international community, and at the request of South Centre Member States, the South Centre organized a meeting on 18 November 2024 with the participation of senior diplomats from a number of developing countries, several of whom have been targeted by UCMs. The meeting focused on the trends and main drivers of overcompliance with UCMs among multinational firms and financial institutions, and the strategies that can be employed to mitigate overcompliance, especially in relation to humanitarian exemptions.

(more…)

SC input for synthesis report on just transition & human rights, December 2024

South Centre inputs to the Secretary-General’s synthesis report on opportunities, best practices, actionable solutions, challenges and barriers relevant to a just transition and the full realisation of human rights for all people

December 2024

A just transition requires urgent action! The South Centre calls for increased climate finance, reform of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), and upholding Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDRRC) to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.

(more…)

South Centre Statement – 10th Session of OEIGWG on TNCs & OBEs, 16 December 2024

South Centre Statement – 10th Session of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with Respect to Human Rights

16 December 2024

South Centre is participating in the 10th Session of the OEIGWG for a Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights, starting this week at the Palais des Nations in UN Geneva.

South Centre addressed the OEIGWG, emphasising on the need for a strong treaty to ensure access to remedies for victims of human rights violations; hold businesses accountable across jurisdictions; and ensure a just transition & digital transformation.

South Centre is committed to supporting the work of the OEIGWG.

(more…)