In the lead-up to the COP30 climate conference, a coalition of 35 rights organizations, including Amnesty International, has issued a joint letter directed at both Brazilian authorities and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The letter calls for robust human rights protections within the Host Country Agreement for the summit, scheduled to occur in Belém, Brazil, in November 2026.
Central to the coalition’s concerns is the absence of clear safeguards for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The groups argue that without these protections, the safety of civil society participants, including environmental defenders, Indigenous Peoples, and activists, could be at risk. A specific non-retaliation clause is urged, to prevent unlawful surveillance and arbitrary arrests, crucial for maintaining an open and secure environment for dialogue and protest.
Although the agreement includes some positive aspects, such as new provisions for inclusion, significant gaps remain. The lack of protection for activists beyond the official conference site is particularly troubling. According to the letter, there is no explicit commitment from Brazil to protect human rights for those wishing to demonstrate outside the conference area, known as the Blue Zone, regardless of nationality.
The organizations have also made several detailed recommendations. These include creating a fair process for visa appeals and enhancing conflict of interest policies to prevent polluting entities from influencing the climate talks. With Brazil hosting, the nation’s environmental policies and dedication to civic freedoms are receiving heightened international attention. For further details, you can view the original report.
The choice of Brazil as the venue for COP30 occurs amidst critical discussions about the country’s climate obligations, particularly in reducing deforestation in the Amazon. Historically, balancing economic development with environmental stewardship has posed significant challenges for Brazil. Reports from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have often highlighted the threats and insufficient protection afforded to activists, making guarantees for peaceful protest during this international summit even more essential. This event represents a crucial moment for Brazil to set a global benchmark by integrating human rights protections into the structure of international climate negotiations effectively.