Environmental activists face increasing repression and criminalization – Environmental Health News

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Environmental protests are increasingly met with severe repression and criminalization, threatening democracy and human rights, according to UN special rapporteur Michel Forst.

Peter Speetjens reports for Mongabay.
In short:
Key quote:
"In terms of freedom of speech and the right to protest, certainly in regards to climate change, the world is moving in the wrong direction."
— Michel Forst, UN special rapporteur on environmental defenders.
Why this matters:
The repression of environmental activists undermines basic human rights and stifles efforts to address climate change. This atmosphere of fear can stymie broader civic engagement and deter necessary actions to address environmental crises. At a time when urgent action is needed to combat climate change and environmental degradation, silencing activists could have negative consequences for the planet and future generations.
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