Launch of the Commentary to the Maastricht Principles on the Human Rights of Future Generations

Event

Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), FIAN International, World Future Council, Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, and the Geneva Human Rights Platform present a public discussion of the Maastricht Principles’ legal commentary, exploring their impact on intergenerational justice and policymaking. 

The principle of intergenerational justice has long been recognized in legal discourse, yet mainstream governance and judicial decision-making often remain focused on the short-term interests of the present generation. Over the past decade, a growing number of initiatives have sought to reframe policymaking by embedding the rights and interests of future generations at the heart of governance. However, for these efforts to be truly transformative, they must be firmly grounded in human rights law rather than treated as aspirational soft-law principles. Legal frameworks provide no basis for generational discrimination in the exercise of human rights, and recent judicial rulings underscore the duty of present-day decision-makers to safeguard the ability of future generations to enjoy their fundamental rights.

In this evolving legal landscape, the Maastricht Principles on the Human Rights of Future Generations—launched in 2023 and endorsed by over 50 international human rights experts—offer a crucial framework for applying human rights obligations in the context of intergenerational justice. These principles have already informed legal debates and court proceedings, including the International Court of Justice’s hearings on states’ climate obligations. To deepen understanding and facilitate effective implementation, a comprehensive legal commentary on the Maastricht Principles has been developed, offering a robust analysis of the legal foundations underpinning the protection of future generations.

This event will mark the first public presentation of the legal commentary, providing a unique opportunity for practitioners, policymakers, and advocates to engage with its insights. Through in-depth discussions, participants will explore how these principles can be integrated into national and international legal and policy frameworks to ensure a future where human rights are protected across generations. By bridging legal theory and practical application, this event aims to reinforce the imperative of long-term governance that respects, protects, and fulfills the rights of both present and future generations.

Objective

This event will address the relevance of human rights approaches to the promotion of intergenerational justice and the contribution that the Maastricht Principles could provide in this context.

Format

This 90-minutes event will take the form of a hybrid event with a panel discussion offering the perspectives of different decision makers, practitioners and stakeholders, followed by an interactive discussion. The event will be followed by refreshments.

Target audiences

This event is designed to provide relevant information to a broad range of audiences interested in integrating intergenerational justice in policy making and in legal processes - from (international) civil servants to civil society advocates and practitioners.

Panel

Welcome:

• Felix Kirchmeier, Geneva Human Rights Platform

Moderation:

• Ana Maria Suarez-Franco, FIAN International

Panel:

• Sharon Manyfingers, Cree Nation, member of the Drafting Group of the Maastricht Initiative for the Human Rights of Future Generations
• Rina Kuusipalo, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Miloon Kothari, Independent Expert on Human Rights and Social Policy, member of the Drafting Group of the Maastricht Initiative for the Human Rights of Future Generations
• Neshan Gunasekera, Visiting Fellow at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Councillor of the World Future Council

Light refreshments will be served at the end of the event.