Standing up for defenders, human rights and climate justice, two local activists from South Africa and Uganda, joined the Natural Justice delegation at this year’s annual global climate change summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. New connections, fresh perspectives and a few thousand steps later, they share their experience, as their fight for environmental justice continues.
The 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP29) ended on Friday. Despite disappointing and frustrating outcomes for civil society organisations – the experience has left an indelible mark on Nazeer Sonday, Chair of the PHA Food and Farming Campaign in South Africa, and Bob Barigye, member of Activists for the Climate Justice Initiative in Uganda.
The pair joined Natural Justice representatives in Baku, to learn about the ins-and-outs of COP and find opportunities to advance their cause. Dashing between side-events and pavilion discussions, networking, juggling support for numerous demonstrations, while keeping an ear to the ground on negotiation outcomes – the two activists had a busy schedule.
Nazeer said: “It was a great experience to be here and to see the state of the negotiations between governments of the global north and the global south. Initially I thought it was a big circus but actually, it’s an important platform to fight for justice for our communities suffering from the impacts of climate change – like droughts and food security and farmers’ livelihoods that are being destroyed.”
Bob speaking on a panel during a side event at COP29 where defenders, civil society and constituencies from across the globe convened to discuss the plight of environmental human rights defenders protecting their land, the climate and biodiversity.
While at the conference, Bob was invited to take part in a panel discussion where Natural Justice, together with the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR), Earth Rights International, Global Witness, CambiaMo, Civicus, Apned and other NGOs, called for the urgent need to recognise and protect environmental defenders who are facing increasing attacks for their activism, and fight for land and climate justice. This coalition of organisations has convened side events every year at COP since 2022 to amplify the plight of defenders and encourage states to fulfil their obligations to protect human rights.
Bob said that it was inspiring to meet activists from all over the world. “Learning new tactics in activism and learning the negotiation process and how it is done. It was a great experience and it has energized me for further activism.”
Meanwhile, Nazeer took the opportunity to connect with many international community-based working groups focused on agricultural issues.
Nazeer attended several demonstrations – pictured here in support of the movement to equitable agroecological food systems.
Regarding the negotiations, Nazeer said: I was alarmed that the global south farmers don’t have a platform in the negotiations. The global south is suffering from impacts of climate change, but we’re also the biggest land stewards – but don’t have a voice here. My take-away is, I’m going to share this experience with the farmer networks I’m involved with and to really get young farmers – women farmers – to attend COP. It’s important to have their voices here.”
Bob and Nazeer attended daily briefing meetings – in particular, a daily update with the Human Rights and Climate Change Working Group, which provided updates on the status of the various negotiations. This year the working group provided an additional session for “newbies” to help them grasp conference processes and share ideas and experiences.
Staying informed and taking it back home – Bob and Nazeer at COP29.
Bob said that the opportunity to network and meeting new people, was helpful.
“Putting names to faces – the people you only see on social media – then you see them here and the networking, the learning has been excellent. Also, the beauty of Azerbaijan – it is an experience, and to be able to meet so many people involved in the same cause – it’s wonderful! I know one day we’ll achieve all the goals, and we look forward to more COPs.”
Both participated in a session with the Human Rights and Climate Change Working Group to gain a better understanding of COP29 processes.
Overall, the experience was rewarding and fruitful for both Bob and Nazeer, who managed to connect with representatives from organisations from across the world.
“There was a lot of walking! There are about 50 000 people at this year’s COP, the space is vast – between update rooms and the meetings – you have to be prepared to walk here – I’m sure I did my 20 000 to 40 000 steps every day. Avoid wearing high-heels to COP – there’s a lot of walking! But I’m really grateful to Natural Justice for giving me the opportunity to come. It informs the way we’ll be doing things on the ground.”
Before leaving the conference on Friday, Bob said: “The results (negotiation outcomes) may not come today, but we’ll eventually get them. I would like to thank Natural Justice for giving me this golden opportunity. I will take this experience home and share it with other defenders.”
