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Equitable systems change is impossible without respect for human rights and civil liberties. These rights set the foundation for all people to access essential services, live in a safe and healthy environment, and participate fully in governance.

Upholding human rights and civil liberties is key for accountable governance

Legal rights establish the state’s responsibilities to its citizens and are therefore the bedrock of accountable governance. This shift considers both the establishment of such rights and the extent of their enforcement and fulfillment. Rather than attempt to encompass the full array of political and social rights, the indicators included here identify key trends that may enable or constrain equitable systems change. A lack of respect for civil liberties may indicate weak rule of law or a shift toward autocracy.
 

Key indicators measuring civic space are heading in the wrong direction

Civic space is under continuous and growing threat, press freedom has deteriorated and attacks on workers’ rights have grown. Just 59% of countries surveyed in 2024 adequately protected their citizens’ freedoms of expression, association and assembly, all of which form the basis for a healthy civil society. This means citizens face severe risks if they attempt to hold the government or industry to account.

Despite these deteriorating trends, one key dimension that shows positive signs is the increasing legal recognition of Indigenous and community lands.
 

Human rights defenders on land, environment and climate issues face a high level of risk

One report found that, out of 555 attacks against human rights defenders in 2022, 75% were related to land, environment or climate. In these challenging contexts, civil society and their allies have to employ a politically sensitive approach to identify where progress can be made without risking legal or violent backlash, particularly to ensure the safety of vulnerable actors or groups. Recent work from Pact and its partners demonstrates that applied political economy analysis can be used to strengthen critical human rights response mechanisms, such as human rights treaty bodies or domestic bodies such as ombudspersons, even in contentious settings.

Achieving goals for people, nature and climate requires respecting human rights
If governments ignore or undermine human rights, they are less likely to reach climate and nature goals in ways that are socially equitable. These rights help ensure accountability, strengthen the social contract and establish the foundation for universal social welfare, security and inclusive participation in governance. This starts by halting crackdowns on protests and dissent; reforming laws that restrict expression, association or assembly; and preventing physical and legal threats against activists, journalists and labor organizers. It is essential to strengthen legal protections, enhance institutional capacity and cultivate political leadership that embeds a culture of respect for human rights across government. At the same time, companies must be held accountable for upholding these rights across their supply chains as well.
 


Indicators in this shift are all directional, with an increasing trend indicating improvements in the environment for workers, civil society and communities. While there are no specified global targets or timeframes, equitable systems change can only occur if these key measures of human rights and civil liberties show rapid improvement.

Tracking progress on global outcomes

Key enablers and barriers to change

Other shift Other shifts needed to transform the system

Ensure transparency and access to information

Transparency and access to information are essential for effective government coordination, meaningful participation from civil society and building international trust and cooperation.

Guarantee access to justice

An independent, impartial and accessible justice system is a critical tool for individuals and communities to protect their rights and obtain justice.

Promote government accountability and anti-corruption measures

To implement ambitious policies effectively and mobilize public finance for climate, nature and equity, governments must follow through on commitments and enforce laws consistently — even for those with political and economic power.

Ensure inclusive citizen participation in policymaking and political processes

The ability of any individual or social group to participate meaningfully in political and policymaking processes is a fundamental recognized human right — and a powerful way to advance the voices of those most affected by climate change, social inequality and loss of nature.

Strengthen government capacity to implement commitments fairly and effectively

Governments should build their capacity to collect tax revenues fairly, secure their borders effectively and maintain skilled bureaucracies that can plan, coordinate, regulate and adapt to new information and technology.