Civil society condemn exclusion of observers from UN climate talks

Wednesday 21 October 2015 (Bonn, Germany) – In a statement today

Japanese Flag

Image by Hoshi_sae

The decision was made yesterday when Japan objected to the presence of civil society observers in groups where discussion on the draft agreement takes place.  Japan was the only country to voice opposition to the inclusion of observers in the process.  The G77 block of 134 countries, China and Mexico all opposed Japan’s opposition and stressed that negotiations must remain transparent and open.  

Gita Parihar, Head of Legal at Friends of the Earth International, said:

“Observers are the canary in the coalmine when it comes to health of the climate negotiations.  Our presence signals an atmosphere of openness and willingness to stand up to public scrutiny.  Blocking us shows the opposite.  It is particularly mystifying that the EU, which has legal obligations to promote our participation in these negotiations, has remained silent.”

Following the decision, and over the course of a matter of hours on Tuesday evening, more than 125 different civil society groups signed on to a statement deploring the move, calling it undemocratic, un-transparent and unacceptable.  The civil society groups, including labour and women’s movements and many diverse groups from the global South as well as large international NGOs, believe the move reflects a process in which the voices of the most impacted by – and least responsible for – climate change are silenced. 

Anabella Rosemberg, Climate Policy Advisor at the International Trade Union Confederation, said:

“The United Nations have been created on the basis that secret deals were harmful for democracy. Observers in the UN are not even asking for their legitimate right to speak, but our right to be present on the very first discussions on the Paris draft deal. This decision is a slap on the face of those who believe in the UN to solve global problems fairly.  Working people have a right to know who stands with them and who doesn't.”

Civil society groups pointed out they are made up of the public, a public to whom negotiators are ultimately responsible.  They also emphasised they play a key role in lending support to those who are least represented in the negotiations.  The groups believe a meaningful and ambitious outcome in Paris will depend upon the transparency of this process and the ability of civil society to contribute our wealth of experience and viewpoints.

ENDS