Children bring a case against 33 European states on climate and their rights

Date: 17th November 2023
Category: Special protection measures, General measures of implementation, General principles, Civil Rights and Freedoms

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The case, lodged in 2020, was brought by six Portuguese children against 33 European states. The applicants demand that states uphold their legal duty to reduce fossil fuel-related emissions and prevent climate harms.

The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights heard its first case on children’s rights and climate on 27 September 2023.

The children who lodged the complaint relied on Articles 2, 8, and 14 of the European Court of Human Rights (the right to life, right to privacy, and right to be free from discrimination).

The ruling is expected in 2024.

• Read the ECtHR Press Release here.
• Find a video of the hearing here.