In the face of an escalating climate and biodiversity crisis, an active and vocal civil society is more important than ever. Nevertheless, in many countries—including Germany—environmental activists are increasingly under pressure: through police violence, criminalization, threats, abusive legal proceedings, or disinformation campaigns. We stand up for the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly in the face of repression.
By explaining and making accessible the law, its possibilities, and its limits, and by shaping debates about the environmental movement, we empower environmental and climate activists and legitimize their protests—whether they take the form of traditional demonstrations, creative forms of action, or peaceful civil disobedience. In doing so, we do not view the climate movement in isolation, but rather in the context of other progressive social movements that are affected by similar restrictions on fundamental rights.
The importance of climate activism for the common good and democratic participation is understood and accepted by all relevant actors in society.
Activists and their organizations enjoy better protection against repression thanks to strengthened legal capabilities, structures, and networks. Existing and increasing repression is discussed among the general public in connection with freedom of assembly and freedom of expression.
We regularly offer webinars and workshops on legal topics that (climate) activists encounter in their political work: from assembly laws to criminal law to civil lawsuits. In doing so, we aim to work in solidarity with existing grassroots organizations and complement their efforts.
Do you have a topic suggestion, or would you like to be notified of event dates via email? Please contact Lisa Kadel or Eva Schwan.
You can also ask questions about assembly and criminal law in the context of climate activism, as well as environmental law, during advice session (no advice on individual cases).
Currently we are cooperation with European partners through two EU-funded projects. The aim of the EnviRights project (Empowering eNVIronmental RIGHTS defenders through monitoring, capacity building and advocacy in Europe) is to better protect the political participation rights of environmental activists throughout Europe, in particular the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. As part of an alliance of several NGOs
Working with partners from six EU countries, PARATA (Protecting At-Risk Activists from Threats and Attacks) strengthens civil society’s resilience to political attacks. The project
English language publications only, for a full list of our publications please visit Publikationen.