UAE promises to allow climate protests at COP28

Official permission is required for protests in the Gulf nation, which is hosting UN climate talks this year. The United Arab Emirates has said it will allow environmental activists to “make their voices heard” and peacefully assemble at this year’s UN climate talks. “In line with UNFCCC guidelines and adherence to international human rights norms and principles, there will be space available for climate activists to assemble peacefully and make their voices heard,” the statement said. “We are also making every effort on our part to ensure that this will be a COP process where the voices of youth, women, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and those most impacted by climate change will be heard and reflected within the process.” Controversial choice The UAE is a major oil producer and one of the world’s largest emitters of CO2 per capita. In May, a joint statement from dozens of human and environmental rights groups raised questions about the choice to host the conference in the UAE, saying they feared “severe restrictions imposed by the UAE authorities in recent years will hinder the full and meaningful participation of journalists, activists, human rights defenders, civil society, youth groups, and indigenous peoples’ representatives at COP28.” Large protests have been common at most previous COPs, and limited rallies were allowed at the last UN climate talks in Egypt, where authorities have regularly cracked down on demonstrations and detained activists.