The past year made one truth undeniable: protecting human rights and our planet is more urgent—and more contested—than ever. Around the world, communities and defenders have faced rising threats from fossil fuel interests and political backlash. Yet, despite these headwinds, CIEL’s legal advocacy delivered extraordinary wins that put dignity, safety, and justice at the center of climate and environmental decision-making.
From the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and International Court of Justice’s landmark climate advisory opinions affirming States’ climate obligations to the first-ever remedy policy at the World Bank’s IFC granting communities a path to justice, and the growing global fight for a strong plastics treaty, our work helped shape a new era of accountability. These achievements were made possible through powerful coalitions, strategic litigation, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Together, we are not just interpreting the law—we’re helping shape it, for people, for the planet, and for generations to come.
Read CIEL’s 2025 Annual Impact Report.
🎥 Watch a short highlight from this transformative year.