COP31 host, Türkiye, curbs environment defenders

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🗞️ Driving the news: As Türkiye prepares to host the UN climate summit COP31 in November 2026, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused authorities of arresting, prosecuting and intimidating environmental defenders protesting against coal and gold mining
• The organisation says these actions are restricting peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, raising concerns about whether civil society will be able to participate meaningfully in climate discussions

🔭 The context: HRW interviewed 23 people involved in environmental protests and reviewed court records, media reports and other evidence
• In southwestern Türkiye, residents have opposed coal mining expansion threatening Akbelen Forest and nearby olive groves since 2023
• In the eastern Black Sea region, communities have protested gold exploration over concerns about water supplies, livestock farming and potential damage to groundwater
• HRW documented allegations of excessive force, arbitrary arrests, criminal investigations and financial penalties against protesters, lawyers and journalists. 

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Environmental defenders help protect forests, water resources and biodiversity from potentially damaging industrial activities
• Restricting their ability to protest, document environmental harm and challenge projects can weaken public accountability and undermine inclusive climate action.

⏭️ What’s next: With COP31 approaching in November, HRW is urging Türkiye to stop targeting environmental protesters and ensure meaningful civil society participation
• It is also calling on countries attending the summit to raise concerns about restrictions on environmental defenders and the rights to peaceful assembly and expression
• Turkish authorities had not responded to the organisation’s requests for comment at the time of publication.

💬 One quote: “With Türkiye about to host the annual UN climate change summit, its environmental crackdown is a salient reminder of its intolerance of dissent,” said Deniz Bayram, assistant Europe and Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch.

📈 One stat: 23 people — the number of individuals involved in environmental protests interviewed by HRW for its August 2026 investigation, including 15 community members, six lawyers and two journalists.

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