Criminalisation and Repression of Climate and Environmental Protests

This report examines the intensifying criminalisation and repression of climate and environmental protests globally. Drawing from data sources such as ACLED, Global Witness, and the Climate Protest Tracker, it identifies four key mechanisms of repression: new anti-protest legislation, judicial processes, policing, and targeted killings. The study analyzes global and country-specific patterns, with case studies from 14 nations. Trends include rising police violence, misuse of anti-terror and organised crime laws, and escalating arrests. The findings highlight the adverse impact of repression on democratic principles and the urgent need for inclusive governance, human rights adherence, and a participatory approach to managing extractive projects. Recommendations emphasize upholding the right to protest and engaging activists as stakeholders in climate and environmental governance. Key Themes Mechanisms of Repression: Legislative, judicial, policing, and extra-judicial. Global Trends: Patterns in protest criminalisation and state/non-state actor responses. Democracy and Human Rights: Implications for civil liberties and environmental justice. Policy Recommendations: Inclusive governance, rights protections, and participatory project management.