US faces criticism over handling of peaceful climate protests
A UN human rights expert expressed concern over the U.S. response to charges against climate activists, calling it a troubling sign for peaceful protest rights.
Nina Lakhani reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- UN special rapporteur Mary Lawlor criticized the US for failing to justify charges against Alex Connon and John Mark Rozendaal, who protested Citibank’s fossil fuel investments.
- Connon and Rozendaal were charged with contempt after peaceful protests; charges stemmed from Rozendaal playing a cello and Connon holding an umbrella.
- The crackdown reflects a broader pattern of intensified criminalization of environmental activists in the US.
Key quote:
"Authorities should be listening to defenders, but they are not. The climate crisis is a human rights crisis, but states aren’t responding as they should."
— Mary Lawlor, UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders
Why this matters:
Restricting peaceful protests undermines democratic rights and silences efforts to address the climate crisis. As extreme weather intensifies, supporting activists who push for systemic change is crucial for a sustainable future.
Read more: Wealthy nations criticized for limiting climate protests despite promoting rights globally
