The rise of a global climate movement has been challenged by a crackdown on civic space for climate activists worldwide. Many governments have teamed up with private actors to suppress climate activism. Environmental defenders, civil society organisations (CSOs) and young activists across the globe are subject to fierce repression taking various forms: introducing laws criminalizing legitimate expression and assembly, excluding or preventing CSOs from participating in environmental policy making, stigmatisation of activists as “eco-terrorists,” increased use of punitive lawsuits (“SLAPPs”), physical persecution, arbitrary arrests, verbal harassment online and offline, excessive use of police force.These actions are contrary to international standards on human rights and the environment.
On the occasion of Earth Day, we remind states and the international community to take these minimum steps to protect and enable climate activism:
1. States should refrain from the use of hate speech, harassment (online and offline) and labeling of activists.
2. States should repeal restrictive legal measures and practices on the right to protest and participation in policy making, protect protesters and activists and abandon the excessive use of force.
3. States should enact anti-SLAPP legislation to discourage the use of retaliatory lawsuits to chill public participation.
4. The international community should reinforce standards related to the freedom of association, assembly and participation of climate activists arising from various conventions and treaties the states are party to, should monitor their implementation and hold participating states and responsible state officials to account, including by incorporating protections for climate activists in human rights sanction mechanisms.
The solution to the climate crises will be reached through collaborative effort by different stakeholders including governments, companies, civil society and activists. The same collaborative effort is needed to also protect climate activists and ensure that their voice, concerns and expertise are part of the debates and solutions that will be explored to reach the zero emissions commitments.
"It would be futile to try to protect the environment without at the same time protecting human rights such as the freedoms of expression, association or assembly, the right to an effective remedy, or the right to education – to name just a few of the so-called ‘enabling’ rights." Commissioner for Human Rights, Council of Europe