April 9, 2024
STRASBOURG, FRANCE – Today, the European Court of Human Rights issued a groundbreaking ruling in the Verein Klimaseniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland climate case. The Court found Switzerland in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights for failing to implement sufficient measures to combat climate change.
Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) Senior Attorney Joie Chowdhury issued the following statement in Strasbourg, France:
“We expect this ruling to influence climate action and climate litigation across Europe and far beyond. Today’s historic judgment in Verein Klimaseniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland – the first ruling by an international human rights court on the inadequacy of States’ climate action – leaves no doubt: the climate crisis is a human rights crisis, and States have human rights obligations to act urgently and effectively and in line with the best available science to prevent further devastation and harm to people and the environment. The ruling reinforces the vital role of courts – both international and domestic – in holding governments to their legal obligations to protect human rights from environmental harm. It also affirms the power and courage of those who speak out and dare to demand a livable future for all.”
For more information and to schedule interviews, please contact
Niccolò Sarno, CIEL Global Media Relations: press@ciel.org | +41-22-506 80 37
CIEL experts:
- Joie Chowdhury — CIEL Senior Attorney, Climate Litigation and Accountability (based in Central European Time)
- Nikki Reisch — CIEL Climate & Energy Program Director, Nikki (based in Pacific Time)