Climate marches banned in France: We must march for them

John Englart, our reporter for the Paris climate talks, reports that the French government has banned climate marches planned for November 29 and December 12.

The government is citing security concerns following the November 13 mass shootings and bombings that killed 129 people.

Read John’s report here.

This banning makes it even more vital that people across the world send a clear message. Our leaders must take strong immediate action to slash carbon emissions. Join us at the Melbourne People’s Climate March on Friday November 27 at 5.30pm outside the State Library. Facebook event here.

John also writes:

Can I suggest that those of you not in Paris do a cardboard cut out of a person and write ‪#‎jesuisParis‬ on it and take it along to the protest as your plus one. Use it to add other climate slogans as you desire. Let your placards speak for Paris as the French State are attempting to silence the citizens of Paris mobilising during the climate conference.

The French organisation Coalition Climate 21 has issued a media release. A web translation is as follows:

NOVEMBER 29 AND DECEMBER 12 PROTESTS PROHIBITED IN PARIS

PRESS RELEASE
Paris, November 18, 2015

The Prefecture of Police of Paris has just informed us that due to the tragic events that took place on November 13, the World March for the climate of 29 November and 12 December mobilizations planned are banned in Paris.

We regret that no alternative has been found to allow our mobilizations. However, we are more determined than ever to make our voices heard on issues of climate justice.

“We realize the gravity of the situation. More than ever we will mobilize and gather creatively. No COP21 without mobilizing civil society ” said Juliette Rousseau, coordinator of the Coalition climate 21.

Indeed, on 28 and 29 November weekend, on the eve of the opening of the COP 21, millions of people will march for climate justice:

2173 events are being prepared in over 150 countries
57 marches are planned worldwide
Dozens of marches in the regions of France have been announced

On 29 November and 12 December in Paris, we will find an alternative form of citizen mobilization, to show that COP 21 will not be done only with the negotiators.

Citizens Climate Summit to be held on 5 and 6 December in Montreuil (Seine Saint-Denis) and the Action Zone Climate, to be held from December 7 to 11 at Paris-CENTQUATRE should be maintained. These mobilizations will be two great opportunities to demonstrate that we have the solutions and alternatives to climate change and that civil society is determined to fight against the climate crisis.

21 Climate Coalition recalled that COP 21 is not an end in itself and that we citizens of the world are building a movement that will be strengthened after this summit and beyond.

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