Youth activists' protection against attacks highlighted by UN
A new United Nations report emphasizes the need for enhanced protection of young environmental and human rights activists from online harassment, arrests, and violence.
Nina Lakhani reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Young activists globally face increased risks without the support available to older counterparts, as per UN special rapporteur Mary Lawlor's findings from interviews with nearly 100 youth from 37 countries.
- Children and teens are leading voices in climate change and human rights, yet face significant opposition and danger, including arbitrary arrests and violence.
- Efforts by young activists include combating climate change, violence against women, LGBTQ+ rights, and more, with notable cases of success despite challenges.
Key quote:
"Climate change has been a huge driver for children and young people because they see that the planet is dying from lack of action by governments all over the world."
— Mary Lawlor, UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders
Why this matters:
In the past few years, youth have claimed more space in the climate change conversation.
Young activists, inspired by figures like Greta Thunberg, are mobilizing across the globe even in the face of severe repression, organizing strikes, protests, and social media campaigns to demand stronger climate action from governments and corporations.
