Are climate activists protected by the Aarhus Convention? A note on Article 3(8) Aarhus Convention and the new Rapid Response Mechanism for environmental defenders

Abstract The parties to the Aarhus Convention recently established a new Rapid Response Mechanism for environmental defenders. This article analyses this mechanism and its guarantees defenders, with specific focus on protection of diverse forms climate activism. Convention's Compliance Committee has taken broad approach towards definition ‘environmental defenders’ protected by Article 3(8) Convention. includes persons who engage in demonstrations or rallies connected issues, even if there is no immediate link rights provided In some cases, direct actions acts civil disobedience may fall under Where defenders suffer harmful such as penalization, harassment persecution either State authorities private parties, concerned must produce evidence show that these were not response civic engagement concerned. If are victims sense Convention, they address Special Rapporteur can swiftly issue measures. could be especially relevant detained persons, police supervision activists undergo systematic security forces. intervene use their unique position international plane ensure do due environment.