5 June 2025, Amsterdam
On World Environment Day, Lawyers for Lawyers launches its new report: “Access to Environmental Justice under Threat: The Role, Rights, and Risks of Environmental Lawyers.” This 52-page report highlights the growing risks faced by environmental lawyers worldwide as they defend communities most impacted by environmental harm.
Environmental lawyers play a vital role in ensuring access to climate justice. Yet many are increasingly targeted for their work — facing threats, harassment, and undue interference. Their ability to operate freely and safely under pressure, with serious consequences for the communities they serve.
The report is based on 25 interviews with lawyers from across all continents, conducted between May 2022 and October 2024. It documents patterns of intimidation and interference, including physical attacks, SLAPP suits, stigmatisation, and denial of access to critical environmental information.
Lawyers for Lawyers calls on States to protect the independence and safety of environmental lawyers, ensure access to information and confidentiality, and hold perpetrators of threats and attacks accountable. The legal profession, international organisations, and UN bodies must also step up to support and safeguard these lawyers — because without them, access to environmental justice is at risk.
For the full report and campaign video, go to our dedicated Campaign page.
