Norwegian Helsinki Committee: Protecting Climate Defenders Must Be Part of COP31

Photo: © UN Climate Change — Kiara Worth, via Norwegian Helsinki Committee.

In a statement published on 5 November 2026, the Norwegian Helsinki Committee calls for human rights to guide COP31 climate decisions. It highlights the detention of Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt as a warning about the risks facing Indigenous defenders.

The Committee, a member of FIDH, argues that climate action must protect the people defending land, nature and communities. It notes that Indigenous Peoples face both disproportionate climate impacts and the consequences of policies that disregard their rights.

Its Deputy Secretary General, Gunnar M. Ekeløve-Slydal, says: “At COP31, governments must make clear that defending the climate is the right of everyone.”

The statement recalls that Egereva was detained after returning from COP30 and that she and Leongardt face terrorism-related charges and possible prison sentences of up to 20 years. It also raises concerns about Russia’s designation of the Aborigen Forum as extremist and terrorist.

The message connects climate negotiations with the safety of those who contribute to them. Our earlier review of FIDH and rights groups’ recommendations ahead of COP31 explores the same demand: meaningful participation requires protection from persecution.

Source: Norwegian Helsinki Committee, “Human rights must be at the centre of COP31,” 5 November 2026.