The United Nations (UN) has expressed grave concern over the escalating attacks targeting activists who advocate for environmental protection. In a statement delivered at the inaugural European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders in Strasbourg, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk highlighted the alarming rate at which Europe is warming, at twice the global average, leading to increased floods and heatwaves.
“Extreme weather events are killing thousands of Europeans every summer. Ninety-five percent of urban dwellers across the continent breathe unsafe air, and over 80 percent of habitats are in poor condition,” Türk stated.
Activists Under Threat
Türk lauded environmental defenders for raising their voices, taking action, and implementing concrete steps to protect the planet, communities, and democracy. He described the environmental justice movement as a powerful human rights alliance that unites science, law, ethics, philosophy, and art, emphasizing that such an alliance cannot be defeated in a fair contest. Consequently, he noted that some adversaries resort to brutal and dishonest tactics, stating, “They kill, they kidnap, they detain, and they weaponize laws designed to protect people’s rights.”
Hundreds Killed, Disappeared, or Detained
Data from the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) indicates that approximately 600 environmental and land defenders have been killed or disappeared globally in the last three years. “At least in 55 countries, they have been detained for their activism,” Türk added.
Despite many European nations boasting ambitious climate and environmental targets, Türk observed that new laws criminalizing peaceful protests are still being enacted. “It is shocking that those defending our children’s future are prosecuted under laws designed to combat terrorism and organized crime,” he remarked, urging all governments to ensure the safety of environmental defenders and accountability for all abuses. He also called on authorities to respect court decisions and establish a stronger regional protection system for these activists.
‘Drop for the Climate’
The UN human rights chief made these remarks on the eve of World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5. Coordinated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the day serves as a call to action against global warming and rising emissions. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen stated, “If we exceed 1.5 degrees, we must know that we need to bring it down rapidly. But we can do it. We have all the solutions.”
UNEP has launched a global limbo dance challenge, encouraging people to ‘drop for the climate.’ The campaign features the track ‘Deep Down’ by Brazilian DJ Alok, with support from celebrities like UNEP Under the Ocean Advocate Jason Momoa. The Hawaii-born actor shared, “Where I come from, movement has meaning. It carries story, respect, connection,” celebrating the UN’s power to drive change through movement and voice on World Environment Day.
