December 11, 2024 – Editorial Team – On December 10, 2024, in Goma, the award ceremony for the prestigious Tulipe Prize was marked by a poignant speech by Olivier Ndoole, Executive Secretary of Congolese Alert for the Environment and Human Rights (ACEDH). In his speech, Ndoole emphasized the importance of recognizing the collective efforts of activists, environmental defenders, and human rights advocates in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Upon receiving the award, Olivier Ndoole paid tribute to all those fighting on the front lines to protect the environment in the DRC, a country where challenges are many and threats against environmental defenders are constant. “This award is the result of collective efforts,” he stated, acknowledging the contribution of thousands of activists, pro-climate Congolese, indigenous peoples, eco-guards, as well as lawyers, judges, and other partners. He reminded the audience that these defenders risk their lives and freedom to demand climate justice, protect biodiversity, and ensure equitable access to land.
Ndoole specifically mentioned the victims of these struggles, naming individuals etched in the collective memory: Obed Karafuru, an environmental rights defender, and the 15 farmers from Rutshuru, who were summarily executed due to their land-related activities. He also paid tribute to the eco-guards who lost their lives in the service of protecting the Virunga, Maiko, Kahuzi Biega, and Upemba national parks and observed a moment of silence in their memory. In his speech, Olivier also extended sincere thanks to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which has been a key partner in supporting ACEDH’s initiatives since 2015, particularly during very challenging times. “The Netherlands not only gave us a warm welcome in The Hague but were also the first to support ACEDH in its advocacy efforts for land justice and the protection of environmental defenders,” he added. This support has been instrumental in advancing decisive actions, particularly in areas such as climate litigation, a just energy transition, and the inclusion of women and youth in environmental policies. Ndoole praised the cooperation between the Netherlands and the DRC, highlighting the progress made despite the numerous challenges the country faces, particularly in environmental governance. “It is high-risk work, often neglected, but essential for the common good of humanity,” he stressed.
Seizing the opportunity, Olivier Ndoole made several recommendations to Congolese authorities and international partners to strengthen the protection of environmental defenders in the DRC and elsewhere. The day’s laureate emphasized the need to revise Congolese law on the protection of human rights defenders so that it becomes a genuine tool for protection, rather than a repressive framework. He called for renewed support for the process of revising this legislation to ensure true legal security for environmental defenders, who are often exposed to threats of violence and arbitrary detention.
In a global context where the voices of environmental defenders are often ignored, Olivier recommended increased support for the LEAD ( Leaders Network for Environmental Activists and Defenders, a multilateral platform bringing together environmental defenders, indigenous groups, international NGOs, UN agencies, economic operators and platforms, as well as political decision-makers from states.) initiative, which aims to strengthen the participation of defenders and indigenous peoples in international climate negotiations. The DRC, he emphasized, should join this initiative to ensure better representation of its defenders in global debates on climate justice. The Executive Secretary of ACEDH also called for the creation of a regional legal framework facilitating access to information, justice, and citizen participation in environmental issues. He suggested adopting a framework agreement similar to the Escazú Agreement in Africa, to strengthen the rights to information and participation in decision-making processes related to the environment. In his speech’s recommendations, lawyer Olivier highlighted the importance of supporting local initiatives aimed at protecting forests, ensuring local land rights, and promoting access to renewable energy. He stressed the need to combat crimes related to the illegal exploitation of natural resources and wildlife. A just energy transition, one that respects human rights and is sensitive to gender issues, must be at the core of public policies, he affirmed. According to Olivier, the dialogue between the Global South and North must be strengthened on energy transition issues, particularly regarding the establishment of financial mechanisms that support developing countries’ efforts toward a just transition. He also called for collective advocacy for the release of imprisoned environmental defenders and the pursuit of legal actions against those responsible for violating their rights.
Finally, Olivier Ndoole recommended the establishment of a system of targeted international sanctions aimed at punishing both individuals and legal entities responsible for violations of environmental defenders’ rights. In his view, these sanctions should be a tool of pressure to end the impunity that too often shields perpetrators of human rights abuses.
The Tulipe Prize ceremony was an opportunity to remind everyone that environmental defenders in the DRC and around the world face multiple challenges, but their work remains crucial for the future of the planet. “The work of environmental defenders is often invisible, even despised, but it is essential for the survival of future generations and the preservation of biodiversity,” concluded Olivier Ndoole. By honoring these courageous activists, the Tulipe Prize reminds the international community of the urgency of supporting the voices fighting for climate justice, the protection of human rights, and the safeguarding of our planet. It also serves as a call to action to strengthen mechanisms for protecting environmental defenders, particularly in complex contexts like the Democratic Republic of Congo. This prize is much more than a personal distinction; it embodies the hope and resilience of Congo’s environmental defenders—unsung heroes who, every day, face danger to protect a shared resource of the utmost importance.
By the editorial Team
