The United Nations (UN) has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating attacks against environmental defenders. Speaking at the first European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk underscored Europe’s warming at double the global rate, leading to increased floods, glacial melt, and heatwaves. “Extreme weather events are killing thousands of Europeans every summer. 95% of people living in cities across the continent breathe unsafe air, and more than 80% of habitats are in poor condition,” Türk stated.
Türk lauded environmental defenders who raise their voices, take action, and implement concrete steps to protect the planet, communities, and democracy. “The environmental justice movement is a powerful human rights alliance that unites science, law, ethics, philosophy, and art. It cannot be defeated in a fair race,” Türk remarked. “That is why some of its adversaries resort to brutal and dishonest methods. They weaponize laws designed to protect their rights, killing, kidnapping, and detaining people.”
According to data from the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), approximately 600 environmental and land defenders have been killed or disappeared globally in the last three years. “At least 55 countries have seen these individuals detained for their actions,” Türk added. While commending many European nations for their ambitious climate and environmental goals, Türk observed that new laws criminalizing peaceful protests are still being enacted. “It is shocking that those defending our children’s future are being prosecuted under counter-terrorism and organized crime laws,” he said, calling on all governments to ensure the safety of environmental defenders and accountability for all violations. He also urged authorities to respect court rulings and establish a stronger regional protection system for environmental defenders.
World Environment Day and Climate Movements
The UN Human Rights Chief made these remarks on the eve of World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5th, which serves as a call to action against global warming and rising emissions. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), stated, “If we breach the 1.5-degree threshold, we must ensure we bring it back down quickly. But we can do it. We have all the solutions.”
UNEP has launched a global dance competition to encourage people to take action for the climate. The campaign, featuring the song ‘Deep Down’ by Brazilian DJ Alok, is supported by celebrities such as Jason Momoa, the UN’s Representative for the Ocean, who hails from Hawaii. “Movement means something to me. It carries story, respect, connection. This World Environment Day, the UN Environment Programme celebrates the movement and the power we have to create change using our voices,” Momoa said.
