Justice for an Act of Solidarity

The last few days, world attention was focused on the Philippines and the horrifying images of the impact of Typhoon Yolanda – the strongest typhoon to have made landfall in recorded history. The Opening Plenary of the international climate negotiations in Warsaw, Poland – where nearly all of the governments of the world were represented, all of the speeches and presentations included expressions of grave concern, sadness and sympathy over the plight of the people of the Philippines. The highlight of the session was an impassioned speech by lead negotiator for the Philippines Yeb Sano. The end of his speech was met with a standing ovation and by chants of “We stand with you” by members of civil society organizations.

As Yeb Sano exited the Plenary Hall and made his way to speak at a TWN side event, around 60 members of youth groups including Young Friends of the Earth Europe and Earth in Brackets accompanied him as expression of solidarity. Several of the youth delegates started holding up signs with the names of Philippine towns and cities most badly hit by Typhoon Yolanda and unfurling a streamer on the number of victims of Pablo (Bopha) and Yolanda (Haiyan). It was at this point the UN security officers swooped, confiscated the banner and placards and detained three of the youth — Maria Escalante and Graham Hallet of Earth in Brackets, and Clemence Hutin of Young Friends of the Earth Europe, all first-time observers to the UNFCCC proceses. Their badges were confiscated and were escorted off the UNFCCC conference venue. Later, it was reported that Cristiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, decreed that their badges will be permanently withdrawn throughout the duration of the Conference.

The expression of solidarity by young climate activists is very heartwarming. We are touched and comforted that they and many other fellow fighters for climate justice stand with us at this moment of great loss and suffering. It is unbelievable that they were treated in this manner by the leadership of the UNFCCC.

This was a mechanical and extreme application of what are to begin with already very restrictive and undemocratic rules on civil society engagement. As per UNFCCC rules — this was no act of protest, there was no obstruction of UNFCCC processes nor spaces, there was no attack on any official, government or institution. If the issue is the holding up of signs without permission – does it not matter that the message and intent was to signify solidarity with the Philippines? This treatment was neither just nor logical and only shows a sheer lack of sensitivity, sympathy, much less solidarity with the Philippines.

We have witnessed with huge dismay, frustration and increasing outrage the failure of the international climate negotiations year after year to make progress on decisive measures to address climate change and its impacts. This latest incident only leads us to think those at the helm of the UNFCCC may not really have the interest of the most affected peoples at heart.

We urge the UNFCCC leadership to reverse its decision and re-grant accreditation to the Warsaw 3 — justice for an act of solidarity.

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