Green Institute’s Post

What exactly is 'unreasonable' protest? It is said that democracies should be judged not by how they privilege majority opinion, but how they protect minority opinion. This notion is currently being tested to destruction by state responses to political protest in Europe, as the latest report by the human rights think tank Liberties confirms. In a world where so many are locked in algorithmically determined social media silos, activists increasingly feel they have to be disruptive simply to get attention. Unsurprisingly much of the public don't like this, although inconsistently. British juries regularly refuse to convict cause activists, and XR's first two week long large-scale climate occupations of central London in April 2019 were tolerated (grudgingly) by the government and even normally unsympathetic media outlets. However the Liberties report reveals that more and more governments, especially those on the right, are determined to get protestors off the streets and out of the way. They are imposing increasingly draconian restrictions, and threatening those who persist with jail time and pre-emptive arrests. Is this political theatre designed to warm up their bases, or do politicians seriously feel threatened by peaceful, albeit angry, crowds? Answers please on a postcard/email/social media post...

The Nigerian Struggle: Protest, Citizen's Rights & The Constitution (Part 2) The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and protest in: - Section 40: "Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests." Regarding Chapter Two, which deals with Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, it's not directly justiciable. This means that courts can't enforce these provisions, as they're more like guidelines for the government. However, there are moves to hold the government accountable apart from protests: 1. Litigation: Individuals or groups can sue the government for violating their rights or failing to implement Chapter Two provisions. 2. Petitions: Citizens can submit petitions to the National Assembly or state legislatures, requesting policy changes or investigations. 3. Advocacy: Engage in peaceful advocacy, like writing articles, using social media, or meeting with officials to push for change. 4. Voting: Exercise the power of the ballot by voting for representatives who share their concerns and values. 5. Public Interest Litigation: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) or individuals can bring lawsuits in the public interest to enforce constitutional provisions. 6. Constitutional amendments: Advocate for amendments to make Chapter Two provisions justiciable or strengthen the right to protest. 7. Engage with government agencies: Utilize channels like the National Human Rights Commission or the Public Complaints Commission to report grievances. 8. International mechanisms: If domestic avenues are exhausted, citizens can appeal to international bodies like the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. Remember, a combination of these strategies can be more effective than relying on a single approach. However, the choice between waiting patiently and protesting valiantly depends on the citizen's assessment of the government's commitment to our welfare and the potential consequences of their actions. Will we choose to endure the present hardships in hopes of a better future, or will we take to the streets to demand change now? In conclusion, protesting is a fundamental right and a crucial aspect of democracy. While there are risks involved, the potential benefits of protesting, including policy changes and empowerment, make it a vital option for the Nigerian people to consider. The government should listen to the people's concerns and work towards addressing their needs, rather than suppressing their rights. I am Olugbenga George (O.G) Writing from Abuja Nigeria.

THE STATE OF THE RIGHT TO PROTEST IN 21 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES In previous posts I addressed the lack of real opportunities for citizens’ involvement in the decision-making process in the EU. I compared it with the 100+ years old ballot initiative process in, perhaps surprisingly, the state of California, which could indeed render the old American self-aggrandizing mantras about being a beacon of freedom and democracy a little more credible after all. Yesterday, Amnesty International published its report UNDER PROTECTED AND OVER RESTRICTED - THE STATE OF THE RIGHT TO PROTEST IN 21 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES https://lnkd.in/eW8Rsvxn. This report underlines my earlier conclusion that "citizens’ involvement in the decision-making process" in the European Union exists primarily in writing, in theory. That it's not there, really. And even worse, apparently, it's our freedom to choose any preferred legal mode of involvement that seems systemically to be under attack as well. Democracy, that is. Right here, as well. Right ? Anyone ? Also see my next post, in which I venture into overextended generalities and simplifications in an attempt to explain current American polity, as well as its inextricably linked tendencies in society, and perhaps then also the origins of extreme right-wing surges in Europe, in view of those desert like participatory mirages our European Union appears to, willfully or not, be in the process of deceiving us with. Pro- Europeans like myself no less then any other. The true difference being what 'us' and 'them' you believe your children's political and societal future depends most on. See Leiden Associate Professor Jesse Moritz on the mechanisms of 'othering' in 'European Societies, Migration, and the Law: The 'Others' Amongst 'Us' (2020), and the below link to an article suggesting 'othering' (of people in the Balkans) was or is being used to shape our European identity. And what about the concept of 'self- othering' ? As a possible explanation for right wing- extremist's propositions of 'otherness' ? Anyone ? https://lnkd.in/g67eAEez https://lnkd.in/g42yCnFB https://lnkd.in/gYKEe4hi https://lnkd.in/gNr-H4Ej https://lnkd.in/gmUXakNQ My previous posts: https://lnkd.in/eMHbzgNt https://lnkd.in/e2F7r_Xt

I'm horrified by 1. this story and 2. that I've only just heard about these cases of climate protesters being jailed specifically for contempt of court when trying to explain their motivations to juries. Just look at the three extracts below from this article. Our justice system has fundamentally lost sight of its purpose. Throughout history, we now look back at the societal and systemic change that protestors laid the groundwork for - and think "thank goodness someone stood up!". To now suggest that motivations for protest are of "no relevance" is just another step on the UK Government's attempted journey to full-blown authoritarianism. Thankfully it looks like the public are seeing through it. But we need to be careful not to just assume the likely incoming government will loosen its grip on protest, and more broadly shift its focus to the overarching global sustainability context these protestors are trying to address. "Three Insulate Britain activists are serving jail terms for contempt of court for breaching rulings made by a judge that they were not to mention the climate crisis, fuel poverty or the history of the peaceful civil rights movement to juries." "Addressing the juries, the judge said the trials were not about climate change, or whether the actions of Insulate Britain and similar organisations were to be applauded or condemned, but whether or not the protesters caused a public nuisance. The defendants’ motivations for acting the way they did had no relevance, he said." "... similar rulings restricting freedom of expression defences available to peaceful protesters have been made at trials in other courts." Charlie Clinton Pippa Heylings Keith Melton Steve Mason Miguel Trenkel Lopez https://lnkd.in/enCvfSeg

The right to protest is fundamental to our democracy. Yet it's increasingly under threat in Australia, with 49 laws affecting protest being passed in state and territory parliaments over the past two decades. Mannifera has been funding important work on protest rights, and we're pleased to share this new report, 'Protest in Peril', from our partners Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC). HRLC launched the report in Canberra last week, together with Australian Democracy Network, Amnesty International Australia and Senator Pocock, calling on governments across Australia to: - Repeal anti-protest laws; - Ensure laws meet the minimum standards set out in the Declaration of the Right to Protest; and - Introduce human rights acts across federal, state and territory governments We encourage you to read and share it widely: https://lnkd.in/gQ8zUZWZ

Our society is grappling with inequality, discrimination and climate change. Protest is more essential than ever to challenge injustice. The right to peacefully protest is fundamental, not an optional extra. The new government must seize this moment to halt the alarming march towards repression in the UK. 3 things the new UK government must do to protect our protest rights: 1️⃣ The new UK government needs to repeal anti-protest laws pushed through by the previous government. This includes public order elements of the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, as well as the entirety of the Public Order Act 2023 and Serious Disruption Regulations 2023. 2️⃣ The new government must withdraw anti-protest policy and guidance that disproportionately restricts the right to protest. 3️⃣ The new government must end the harmful rhetoric being used to stigmatise those who peacefully protest demanding climate action and protection for the human rights of Palestinians.

Everyone has a right to protest, but whose protest has the most right? Everyone has equal right to protest. However, intersecting forms of discrimination can sometimes mean one protest takes pre-eminence over another. This is especially topical right now, with tensions between pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protest groups, and incidents of both antisemitism and Islamophobia on the rise. It’s also an important debate in the context of the Government’s latest non-protest laws – the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, and the Public Order Bill - which serve to place more conditions, limitations, and implications on those expressing their views, grief, concerns, and solidarity. To be clear, according to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act in UK law, everyone’s right to protest is protected, as are the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. Public authorities, including the police, are required to act in a way that is compatible with these rights, and indeed make efforts to assist peaceful protest to take place.   New laws will make it harder for anyone to protest. Indeed, they could serve to make it even harder for some groups than it is for others, by expanding the definitions of what might cause a public disorder, or serious disruption.    Protests have been the driving force behind some of the most powerful social movements in history, exposing injustice and abuse, demanding accountability, and inspiring others to action.   Let’s hope the government doesn’t come down on the wrong side of history at this watershed moment in the erosion of civil liberties across the world.

This is a very ominous & disturbing trend, as seen in the UK with the recent sentencing of peaceful non-violent protestors such as Larch Maxey and Roger Hallam to 3 years and 5 years respectively in prison. It seems that the powers that be, which dominate and drive our 'endless economic growth at any cost' culture will stop at nothing in their attempt to thwart the efforts of concerned peaceful citizens to save the planet from destruction by industrial greed. https://lnkd.in/eUaQDxSa

Do Citizens of a Nation have the Right to Protest? Citizens, too have a role to play in safeguarding this right. By organizing protests responsibly, respecting the law, and remaining non-violent, protesters can demonstrate the power and dignity of peaceful resistance. Moreover, the broader community must support and defend the right to protest, recognizing it as a collective benefit rather than a privilege for a few. However, the right to protest is not just about achieving tangible outcomes; it also embodies the essence of democracy itself. It provides a platform for diverse voices to be heard, fostering a culture of open dialogue and debate. This engagement is crucial for the health of any democratic society, as it ensures that the government remains responsive and accountable to its citizens The right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democratic society. It empowers individuals to demand justice, equality, and accountability. As we continue to strive for a more just and equitable world, it is crucial to protect and uphold this right, ensuring that the voices of the people can always be heard. #PeacefulProtest #CitizensFundermentalRight #Accountability #FairnessInNigeria #GodBlessNigeria

*SAFETY TIPS* Good day Dear LinkedIn Fam Looking less likely but let's all remember to stay safe ahead of the planned nationwide protest from 1-10th August 2024. 1. Avoid travel. 2. Make contingency plans for water, food and communication. 3. Phone, Internet services and utilities may be disrupted. Set up alternate means of staying in touch with loved ones. 4. Have enough recharge card/credit for PHCN and phone. 5. Get basic medical supplies: analgesics, anti-malarials and for those on long term medications ensure you are covered for the period. 6. Avoid mobs and crowded areas. 7. Get functional flat soles and comfortable footwear. 8. Avoid flashy dressing or display of ostentatious lifestyle. 9. Stay hydrated - have bottle water handy at all times. 10. Avoid arguments 11. Don't drive official vehicles with a government licence plate. 12. Hide your APC membership card 😄 13. Stay indoors. Opportunity for rest and exercise. Lose some weight. 14. Set up effective neighbourhood watch and support systems for security intervention and other emergencies as may be required. *May God continue to guide, bless and protect everyone and keep Nigeria safe🙏😇🙏*