Black Lives Matter
Friends of the Earth International condemns the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and Ahmaud Arbery, alongside sustained state-sanctioned violence against Black people in the United States of America. Systemic police violence in the United States constitutes serial gross human rights violations and a massive abuse of state power. Environmental racism and the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on Black communities are further examples of the violent neglect perpetuated against communities of colour in the U.S.
Over the past week, peoples around the world have risen up to condemn the systemic murders of Black people in the United States. Through this inspiring show of global solidarity, we add our voices and the strength of our organisations to continue to mobilise peoples’ power in the fight to end systemic racism and institutionalised oppression.
Friends of the Earth International and our member groups in 73 countries stand in solidarity with the nationwide uprisings across the United States in response to these recent killings. Many of our member organisations continue to fight against state repression and racism and for the advancement of fundamental peoples’ rights and justice. We recognise the hallmarks of authoritarianism and militarism and condemn the racist and violent response of U.S. police forces against protestors exercising their democratic rights to protest. We urge the United States to respect fundamental rights of free speech and free assembly.
The increasing domestic militarisation of the United States and the violent authoritarianism of the Trump administration is a grave concern for communities around the world. The Trump Administration’s implicit support for white nationalism and calls for the use of deadly force to quell dissent represent nothing less than a further descent towards fascism and provide encouragement for repressive regimes around the world.
As a nation founded on the enslavement of Africans and the genocide of Indigenous Peoples, the United States has a responsibility to address its historical injustices and fundamental contradictions and work to repair the intergenerational harm and trauma that it has engendered. We echo the calls for justice for the families of those who have lost loved ones to police violence and white supremacy. We reiterate our solidarity with the peoples of the United States exercising their rights. We remain resolute in our mission of ensuring environmental, social and gender justice, human dignity, and respect for peoples’ rights.
We stand alongside Black people, communities and organisations in every corner of the world in their fight for justice and an end to the systemic oppression they face. We are committed to raising awareness, mobilising peoples and building alliances to dismantle systemic racism.
![Protests against the environmental licence given by the Corporación Autónoma Regional de Santander to the French company Colcco [credit: Twitter @ComiteSanturban].](https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023_iss_colombia_comitesanturban-350x280.jpeg)
