Bonn Climate Conference
Find legal support for the safety of climate activists attending and traveling home during the annual Bonn Climate Conference in Bonn, Germany.
WHEn IS the conference?The 60th sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies are from 3-13 June 2024
Background
The legal conditions for freedom of assembly and association in Germany have been intensifying over the last year, particularly around the rights of climate activists and those speaking out for Palestinian rights.
Find out more:
Amnesty International’s briefing on the right to peaceful protest in Germany.
For additional background on the crackdown on pro-Palestine activism, see here.
Who should I contact if I encounter legal problems?
RAZ: Legal Assistance and Support
The new association RAZ provides both legal assistance and emotional and psychological support to civil society groups, including climate activists. They have a team of 30 people who work with a network of over 200 lawyers to provide training and individual support. They can be contacted for assistance in all stages of civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings.
Climate Activist Defenders: Financial and Network Support
Climate Activist Defenders believes we cannot protect the climate without protecting defenders. They aim to protect the lives and well-being of frontline climate justice activists (CJAs) working under oppressive and dangerous conditions, including through financial support and connections to a network of support.
ELSC: Legal Assistance and Support
The European Legal Support Center (ELSC) supports advocates for Palestinian rights who face legal attacks aimed at silencing their voices or hindering their work. Whether you have faced intimidation or censorship for speaking out or carrying out solidarity actions, or are just seeking legal advice about your rights
Bonn Climate Camp: Network and Collaborate
Bonn Climate Camp is an active space for people to work together, learn new skills, and support each other during the SB60 in Bonn, Germany. They welcome local and international activists to join in creating a platform to raise awareness on climate justice around the conference.
UTF: Legal and Financial Support
The Environmental Trust Fund (UTF) provides financial support to climate and environmental activists in legal matters. Activists needing financial support, whether before or after a protest, can submit an application/inquiry to utf@posteo.de (if desired, secured with a PGP key).
How can I find out about my rights in Germany?
Green Legal Impact has written a document about basic legal rights in Germany. While the guide is specific to Brandenberg, it is generally applicable across the country. (English, German)
Know Your Rights Initiative e.V. has information on your protest rights in Germany and the powers of the police, specifically in North Rhine-Westphalia where Bonn is located.
The European Legal Support Center has a number of helpful resources for those engaging in solidarity actions.
The Movement Hub provides a general guide on legal risk assessment and mitigation.
Movement Hub provides trainings, strategy consultancy, and support with equipment and special support.
Additional Resources
Bonn Climate Conference Safety Training
Global Climate Legal Defense (CliDef) is organizing two safety sessions on 23 and 24 May for those activists who are traveling to Germany for the Bonn Climate Conference.
We will be posting more details here when they are finalized.
Join us
Given the complex threats they face, legal defense for climate defenders is a fundamental component of any strategy to address the climate crisis. Please contact us to learn how to support and get involved in our work.