Climate Action Network calls for the immediate reinstatement of the badges of Tasneem Essop, Anabella Rosemberg, and Danni Taaffe and deeply regrets the UN Climate Change Secretariat’s disproportionate response to legitimate and peaceful protest.
We stand in solidarity with and salute the courage of Tasneem and Anabella who are valued leaders in the climate movement and members of the CAN Secretariat. They staged a peaceful protest on 3 June during the opening plenary of SB60, denouncing “business as usual” as a genocide unfolds in Gaza. This was conducted wholly in their personal capacity, and not discussed in any way with CAN-International in advance. In addition, we demand immediate reinstatement of Danni Taaffe’s accreditation. She did not participate in the action but filmed it and the removal of Tasneem and Anabella from the SB venue. She was assaulted by a UN security officer, and this was recorded on video. Her debadging for merely exercising press freedom is unjustifiable.
There is profound incoherence in seeing Tasneem, Anabella, and Danni lose their accreditation to a UN conference for bringing the global community’s attention to the unfolding genocide in Gaza when UN experts have repeatedly raised the alarm on the issue.
The UNFCCC Code of Conduct states that “the UNFCCC is committed to upholding the fundamental human rights, dignity and worth of the human person.” Through their action, Tasneem and Anabella firmly upheld this fundamental commitment and should not be punished for it. CAN reaffirms the network’s refusal to be silent in the face of an unfolding genocide, condemns the invasion by Israel and demands an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
We are concerned about shrinking civic space within the UNFCCC. As climate activists, we know firsthand the power of civil disobedience and peaceful protest as essential tools for social change.
There is no climate justice without human rights. Ceasefire now.