COP28: Young people protest against the war in Gaza – 12/04/2023 – Environment

The word “solidarity” appears written on their banners and they often wear Bedouin-style scarves tied around their necks. Young environmentalists, who participate every year in the UN climate conferences, have a new reason to protest in Dubai (United Arab Emirates): the war in Gaza.

The demonstrations are small, just a handful of activists who appear tiny in the gigantic exhibition park in Dubai, home of COP28.

Security measures are discreet but effective. Just like at COP27, last year in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, the “filter” of activists was already applied in previous months, through the visa system to enter the country.

At COP28, the best-known faces of the international climate movement are absent, such as the young Swedish Greta Thunberg.

The activist has loudly expressed her solidarity with Palestinians in other international protests, while in Dubai, an emirate often criticized by human rights organizations, the task has been taken up mainly by Arab activists.

Only a hundred gathered on Sunday in the so-called Blue Zone of COP28, administered by the UN.

“We have told the Palestinian people that the international community may have forgotten, but that they are not alone,” said Asad Rehman, chief spokesman for the Climate Justice Coalition.

“Free Palestine,” shouted Rehman in front of a group of people, who repeated his words.

Then, silence was imposed. The UN rule prevents naming states, leaders or companies during a protest inside the COP grounds.

Across the planet, demonstrations of solidarity with Gaza were massive.

Demonstrations against anti-Semitism were also organized in countries such as France and the United States.

The United Nations has its own international police force, accustomed to protests and tightly regulating actions.

“We were not allowed to name states or raise flags [palestinas]”, said Abderrauf Ben Mohamed, from the Debt for Climate group.

After a fragile pause for the exchange of hostages and prisoners, the war in Gaza resumed on the same day that COP28 began. The conflict hampered negotiations. Some Western pavilions have reinforced their security devices.

In Dubai, the Palestinian Authority participates in a climate conference for the first time.

Only ten representatives were able to travel by plane to attend the event. and most canceled their participation, Palestinian Authority climate expert Hadeel Ijmais told AFP.