Join the European consultation on civic space for climate defenders!

05-05-2021
Share the challenges you have faced as a climate activist to your right to associate and protest with the UN Special Rapporteur.

ECNL is convening a European regional consultation for climate activists and organisations working on climate change with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association (UNSR), Clément N. Voule. The consultation is an opportunity for groups from all over Europe to discuss challenges they are facing when exercising their right to protest, access information, express themselves or simply come together as a formal or informal group of activists. Participants will be able to express their concerns with the UNSR, share their strategies how to overcome challenges and have an impact on the formulation of the UNSR’s recommendation in his upcoming report.

We encourage interested activists and groups to take this opportunity and have their voice heard on the international level.

The consultation will take place on May 12 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM CEST. If you are interested to join, please register following this link by May 10. The capacity is limited, so do not hesitate and register your spot now! The consultation will be held in English.

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text reading "European consultation on civic space for climate defenders"  with date and registartion deadline on a background showing melting snow

Details of the event

UNSR Voule’s upcoming report to the UN General Assembly at its 76th session will address threats and challenges to the enjoyment of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association facing climate defenders and civil society actors advancing climate justice. The UNSR has issued a call for submissions for this report. To further assist in developing input to support the preparation of this report, UNSR Voule would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and selected other climate defenders and civil society representatives to share and discuss information regarding challenges and risks facing climate defenders in your country and to develop recommendations for ensuring that the assembly and associational rights of climate defenders are protected and promoted.    

There will be an opportunity for a discussion on challenges to climate activism, including strategies climate defenders and civil society actors have developed to respond to and mitigate threats and challenges, in particular:     

  1. Threats to the exercise of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly by climate activists.    
  2. Threats to the exercise of the right to freedom of association by climate activists.    
  3. Threats to both assembly and association rights of climate activists, including stigmatization and online violence and threats.