Silencing of critical voices in Copenhagen

In Copenhagen on Wednesday thousands of protestors marched to the Bella Centre where the climate change negotiations are taking place. At the same time, hundreds of delegates walked out to meet them to create a 'People's Assembly' to discuss positive solutions to climate change. The protestors were met with violence from the Danish police.

World Development Movement policy officer Tim Jones commented from within the Bella Centre:

“Today thousands of people sought to create a people’s assembly to get voices heard offering real solutions to the climate crisis. The people’s assembly was stopped by police who committed unprovoked violence on both protestors and official delegates to the UN negotiations. This is a moment in history where the right to protest is of vital importance. The threat that we are facing from climate change is overwhelming.”
 
At the same time as the protests, the Danish government was seeking to push an unjust and ineffective agreement on developing countries, outside of the transparent process. The reintroduction of a so-called ‘Danish text’ would override all the official negotiations, kill the Kyoto protocol and release rich countries from their obligations to take the lead in tackling climate change.

Tim Jones commented:

“It is clear the Danish government cannot tolerate any criticism of the failure of rich countries to make serious commitments in Copenhagen. There is no point in reaching an agreement in Copenhagen unless it is just and effective. Just as the police have sought to silence protest outside, inside the negotiations, the Danish Prime Minister has sought to override transparent and democratic negotiations.”
 
“Rich countries want the right to pollute for many years to come, whilst pushing restrictions on poor countries. Until they offer serious reductions in emissions, rich countries are blocking the negotiations.”
 
“No deal in Copenhagen is better than a bad deal. There can be no just and effective agreement until rich countries are prepared to seriously reduce their use of fossil fuels.”

The G77 group of developing countries resisted any introduction of a Danish text. Official negotiations have so far been suspended all day Wednesday.