His call came in remarks to the first European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders held in Strasbourg, France, where he warned that the continent is warming twice as fast as the global average, with increasing flooding, shrinking glaciers and heat waves.
“Extreme weather kills thousands of Europeans every summer,” he said. “Across the continent, 95 percent of urban residents breathe unsafe air and more than 80 percent of habitats are in poor or poor condition..”
Activists under threat
Türk praised environmental defenders who speak up, mobilize and take concrete action to protect the planet, communities and democracy.
“The environmental justice movement is a powerful human rights alliance uniting science, law, ethics, philosophy and art, an alliance that cannot be defeated in a fair contest,” he said.
“That is why some of his opponents resort to brutal and dishonest measures. They kill, kidnap, detain and weaponize laws meant to protect people’s rights..”
Hundreds dead, missing or detained
The High Commissioner said his Office, OHCHR, has recorded nearly 600 environmental and land defenders killed or missing around the world over the past three years.
“In at least 55 countries they have been arrested for their activism,” he added.
He noted that while “many European countries are proud of their ambitious climate and environmental goals,” new laws are still being enacted that criminalize peaceful protests.
“It is shocking that people who defend the future of our children are being prosecuted under laws designed to fight terrorism and organized crime.“, said.
“I urge all governments to ensure the safety of environmental defenders and accountability for all abuses.”
He also called on the authorities to respect judicial rulings and establish a stronger regional protection system for environmental defenders.
‘Duck for the weather’
The UN human rights chief spoke on the eve of World Environment Day.
The annual June 5 celebration is led by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), which calls for action against global warming and rising emissions as countries fight to keep global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
“We have to lower the bar,” said UNEP chief Inger Andersen. “We have to make sure that if we skip 1.5, we quickly lower it again. But we can do it. We have all the solutions.”
UNEP has launched a global limbo dance challenge, encouraging people around the world to “care about the climate”.
Brazilian DJ Alok has lent his club hit ‘Deep Down’ to the campaign and celebrities such as US actor Jason Momoa, United Nations Oceans Defender, are showing their support.
“Where I come from, movement means something. It carries history, respect and connection,” said the Hawaii-born hit movie star. Aquaman and A Minecraft moviealong with television series War Chief.
“That’s why, for World Environment Day, the United Nations Environment Program celebrates the movement and the power of using our voices to create change.”