“Countdown to COP30: Will Land and Environmental Defenders Take Center Stage?” – Peace Brigades International-Canada

The United Nations COP30 climate change conference is just around the corner, starting on November 10 in Belém, Brazil. As the event approaches, a pressing question lingers: Will the needs of land and environmental defenders be a priority this year?

Tragically, the dangers faced by these defenders are severe. Since Berta Caceres, a prominent advocate from Honduras, was murdered in 2016, more than 1,700 defenders have lost their lives—averaging about 192 each year. This reflects a grim reality for those who protect our planet.

Despite their crucial role, the voices of these defenders are often overlooked at COP events. The UN Human Rights Council recognized, in March 2019, the need for a safe environment for these activists. Yet, when it came time for COP25, that important message got lost. Shauna Gillooly and Simón Escoffier from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile have noted that grassroots movements, including Indigenous communities and labor unions, aren’t given the support they need to influence climate policy effectively.

The discussions at these conferences sometimes seem to deliberately exclude mentions of the challenges faced by these defenders. Camilla Pollera, from the Center for International Environmental Law, called attention to “blatant attempts” to erase references to the protection of environmental rights activists. Floridea Di Como, from Spain, echoed these concerns while stressing the injustice of omitting mention of defenders in such critical discussions.

Michel Forst, the UN’s Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders, expressed concern over the familiar patterns of opposition that make it difficult to advance meaningful protections. These “usual suspects” who hinder discussions are believed to include nations like the United States, Japan, Canada, and Australia.

Greta Thunberg criticized the current format of COP meetings, stating they risk legitimizing ineffective processes. She believes these gatherings often favor the interests of industries that harm the environment instead of taking decisive action.

In light of these challenges, PBI-Canada is urging all countries participating in COP30 to acknowledge the link between climate change and the escalating violence against defenders. They’re also advocating for the enhanced protection of these individuals and clearer mechanisms for accountability.

Recent data highlights that many countries are failing to report crucial information on violence against human rights defenders. In reviews from 162 countries, only three mentioned these serious issues, while 152 didn’t report on the topic at all. This lack of transparency reveals a troubling trend that could undermine efforts to support defenders effectively.

As COP30 approaches, there’s increased focus on actions people are taking. Gitanyow land defenders are preparing to blockade the construction of a controversial gas pipeline, demonstrating the lengths to which local activists are willing to go to protect their land. Meanwhile, the Mesoamerican Caravan for Climate and Life is making its way to Belém, highlighting the dangers and struggles faced by environmental activists.

As discussions heat up at COP30, the call for action grows stronger. The rights and protections for environmental defenders must be recognized, or we risk leaving them to fight alone against powerful interests.

Source link