The Bahamas has reaffirmed its leadership on climate and human rights issues as a member of the core group that successfully steered the adoption of a landmark resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council entitled “Sea-level rise and its effects on the full and effective enjoyment of human rights.”

The resolution, which was adopted by consensus at the Council’s 60th Session on 8 October 2025 represents the first time that the Human Rights Council has formally recognized the guidance of the landmark Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change, it also notes other recent advisory opinions of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. It further underscores the profound nexus between sea-level rise, human rights, and the continuity of Statehood of low-lying coastal and island States.The Bahamas worked alongside fellow core group members the Dominican Republic (penholder), Cabo Verde, Cyprus, Ecuador, Maldives and Malta, to ensure that the resolution reflects key priorities for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). In this regard, the resolution specifically acknowledges the special circumstances of SIDS, the need to operationalize the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, acknowledges the need for public, grant-based resources and highly concessional finance for developing countries, especially SIDS and requests an in-depth study by the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee on sea-level rise and human rights. The resolution also calls for strengthened technical assistance and capacity-building by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to regions confronting the human rights implications of sea-level rise.

H.E. Ms. Patricia A. Hermanns, Ambassador and Permanent Representativ of The Bahamas, described the consensual adoption of the resolution as “an important In her statement to the Council following adoption of the resolution, milestone for small islands like ours, where sea-level rise is not a distant threat — it is literally the ground beneath our feet being slowly pulled away.” She also expressed appreciation to delegations for their “flexibility, solidarity and constructive approach throughout the negotiations.”

Ambassador Hermanns added that The Bahamas looks forward to working together with all States and with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, “in recognition of the importance of an issue that stands among the most critical of our time. As we confront rising seas, we must also rise to the occasion — to safeguard the rights, dignity and future of all our peoples.”

The adoption of this resolution marks a milestone in elevating the voices and experiences of Small Island Developing States within the Human Rights Council and advancing global recognition of the human rights dimensions of climate change.