Crackdown on Environmental Activists Threatens Democracy and Human Rights

The article discusses the increasing repression faced by environmental activists in Europe and other parts of the world, highlighting concerns raised by U.N. special rapporteur Michel Forst. Key points include:

1. Repression in Europe: Forst sees the treatment of peaceful environmental activists as a significant threat to democracy and human rights, with increasing police brutality and harsh legal penalties.
2. Historical Context: The 2016 Dakota Pipeline protests in the U.S. led to a crackdown on activists and a wave of anti-protest laws, setting a precedent for similar actions globally.
3. Criminalization of Activists: Environmental defenders are often labeled as criminals or terrorists, leading to increased violence and stigmatization. For instance, Germany has used anti-terrorism laws from the past to target groups like Letzte Generation.
4. Legal and Political Developments: Various countries have enacted or repurposed laws to limit protests. In Italy, anti-mafia laws target activists, while the U.K. has introduced severe penalties for minor protest actions.
5. Global Comparison: The Aarhus Convention in Europe and the Escazú Agreement in Latin America provide frameworks for environmental defenders’ rights, but enforcement and respect vary.
6. Rising Concerns: Forst notes a troubling global trend where the right to protest, especially concerning climate change, is increasingly restricted. This is part of a broader erosion of human rights.
7. Positive Signs: Some positive developments include lighter sentencing in Norway and individual judges in other countries showing leniency. Efforts are being made to ensure broader participation in future international climate conferences.
   The article underscores the critical need for protecting the rights of environmental defenders as part of upholding democracy and human rights globally.