CliDef Announces Legal Protection Center for COP 28 in Dubai
Climate activists should Signal or WhatsApp text +41767635765 or email cop@climatelegaldefense.org to reach the legal advice hotline from November 28 – December 15, 2023.
NEW YORK, NY (November 1, 2023) – Global Climate Legal Defense (CliDef) today announced a COP 28 legal protection center to support the legal safety of climate activists attending the annual United Nations climate conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The COP 28 legal protection center offers legal resources to global coalitions and climate activists, including a “Know the Law & Security Guide” that individuals can read in advance and download to mitigate legal, digital, and other risks.
The COP 28 legal protection hotline, in its second year of operations at COP, will be available from November 28 - December 15 by Signal or WhatsApp text to the hotline at +41767635765 or by emailing cop@climatelegaldefense.org.
Any climate defender who is detained or in trouble while at UAE airports, the conference center, or the country-at-large are encouraged to text the hotline for legal advice.
“CliDef is proactively working to educate climate defenders worldwide who plan to travel to COP 28 in Dubai this November about the local laws,” said Alfred Brownell, Founding President of CliDef and Goldman Environmental Prize winner. “To ensure the safety of all people speaking out for climate action, activists must understand the legal environment in the UAE and prepare and act accordingly.”
In August, the UAE signed a host country agreement with the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCC), stating that there “will be space available for climate activists to assemble peacefully and make their voices heard.”
The UAE Constitution recognizes the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration in accordance with the law, but significant limitations on freedom of expression exist if a demonstration has a political purpose. UAE laws criminalize a broad array of speech, including criticism of the UAE or other States’ government, its institutions, and leaders.
If you are a climate defender or journalist heading to COP 28 this November:
Read CliDef’s ““Know the Law & Security Guide”, which provides an in-depth explanation of local Emirati laws and digital security measures.
Signal or WhatsApp text +41767635765 or email cop@climatelegaldefense.org between Nov 28-December 15 if you need urgent legal advice. Phone calls may be blocked while in the UAE at-large.
###
About CliDef
Global Climate Legal Defense (CliDef) emboldens climate defenders to act by providing legal support. We offer legal advice, coordination, and funds for legal defense and strengthen a community of diverse lawyers and legal organizations to serve the climate movement. To learn more, please visit our website: www.climatelegaldefense.org
Media Contact: