When youth takes states to court | Handbook

This handbook provides important information on the hearing and the potential impact of the Court on climate action in Europe.

On the 27th of September, the Duarte Agostinho et al case will be heard at the European Court of Human Rights. This will be the third of a series of climate lawsuits brought in front of the Court, after Klimaseniorinnen, and Câreme, which were heard this Summer. The case involves youth from 11 to 24 years old. This will be an excellent opportunity for youth all around Europe to make the voices of the youngest generations heard! We have prepared this handbook to highlight the most important things to keep in mind when following the hearing, including the potential role of the Court in enhancing climate action in Europe.

This handbook covers:

Youth in Climate Action

Apart from peaceful protests, young people have also increasingly made use of the law to strive for a healthy and safe environment. And why are youth so involved?
Explaining the Claims of Duarte Agostinho

September 2020, six young people and children from Portugal made a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) stating that the climate inaction of 33 states under the jurisdiction of the Court was endangering their lives and well-being. How is the Duarte Agostinho lawsuit structured?
The ECtHR Processes

How does the European Court of Human Rights work? What is the role of the ECtHR in enhancing climate action?
Previous Successful Cases

What are the other climate lawsuits that have yielded results?