On September 27, 2024, a report was made public with the support of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders and other organizations as part of the Lead initiative. This report amplified the voices of defenders in challenging situations who are in need of justice, specifically climate defenders at the international level, during the United Nations Climate Week.
At Climate Week in New York, CLIDEF unveiled its very first report titled “The Dangerous Lives of Climate Defenders.” This event, held at the Ford Foundation, brought together diplomats, NGO leaders, and human rights defenders, highlighting the essential struggle of those working to protect our planet. Here is the link to the report: https://www.climatelegaldefense.org/dangerouslives.
This exceptional report features 16 climate defenders working in 11 countries. CLIDEF commissioned professional photographers, particularly those associated with local movements and climate justice. The report was presented during the event at the Ford Foundation to an audience comprising UN representatives, diplomats, climate NGOs, funders, and lawyers. We were fortunate to host several defenders featured in the report—Dipti (Mozambique), Alejandra (Mexico), Odur (Uganda), Nicole (Brazil), and CLIDEF founding president Alfred Brownell (Liberia)—who shared their personal experiences. The audience was touched and moved, with many expressing how powerful they found the event. We urged everyone to share the report with their networks and to take action on the key points raised.
CLIDEF’s initiative is particularly noteworthy as it highlights climate defenders in front of global authorities and several influential heads of state. By providing a platform for these individuals to share their stories, CLIDEF asserts itself as a key player in the fight for environmental and human rights. Its ability to unite voices from diverse backgrounds, yet united by a common goal, demonstrates the strength and determination of the organization. Indeed, CLIDEF plays a vital role in raising awareness among policymakers about the importance of protecting those who, despite the dangers they face, fight for the preservation of our planet. The report offers several key recommendations to strengthen the protection of climate defenders:
- Defend Defenders: To combat climate change and environmental injustices, it is crucial to protect climate defenders, as they play an essential role in transitioning to sustainable energy sources.
- Comprehensive and Holistic Support: Legal threats must be addressed holistically, as they are often linked to other risks, whether physical, emotional, or financial.
- Government Accountability: Governments must recognize their role in protecting defenders and implement appropriate measures to prevent and address reprisals, including adopting anti-SLAPP laws.
- Support Mechanisms: Establish or strengthen mechanisms, such as mediators or national human rights institutions, to listen to defenders’ complaints and offer support and redress.
- Private Sector Accountability: Governments and funders must understand that private actors, including local and transnational businesses, are often directly involved in the criminalization of defenders.
- Funding Support: Funders should provide dedicated support for defenders and their organizations concerning legal advocacy, security, and protective measures.
- Risk Awareness: It is crucial to recognize that risk is inherent in the work of defenders. Funders must be aware that failing to protect them is riskier than supporting them.
This CLIDEF report is a call to action, emphasizing that to combat climate change, it is imperative to defend those who risk their lives for our future.
As a reminder, the CLIDEF coalition is an organization that supports various initiatives to assist climate defenders globally and facilitates exchanges and advocacy for climate activists, both at the global and grassroots levels. The published report on the narratives of defenders serves as a powerful testament to the sacrifices made for conservation and environmental justice. The report marks a crucial milestone in giving a voice to climate defenders and reminding each of us of the importance of supporting these champions of nature.
By Franck Zongwe Lukama
