After "Unathorized" Demonstation, NGOs Banned From Climate Talks, Unable To Reenter

The halls of the UN climate negotiations in Madrid are unusually quiet this evening, as non-governmental organisations were ejected from the venue following a protest. Hundreds of people staged an action within the conference centre, which protesters had been planning since the weekend in response to sluggish progress at the talks. But the protest was not authorised to take place by the UN’s climate body.

The moment protesters unfurled their banners, UN security “descended on us”, Brandon Wu of ActionAid USA told DeSmog. “The police linked arms and marched us out the door. It was literally chaos.” The Spanish police took over from UN security, he said, and held protesters in small groups outside the venue, before allowing them to disperse.

Protesters are now unable to return to the building. Many still have belongings in their offices, including computers and coats, and it is uncertain whether they will be permitted to attend the final two days of the negotiations.

Amalen Sathananthar, a Malaysian activist with the Artivist Network who coordinated the protest, said he was left physically and emotionally drained by the protest and the response of the UN security, after he was left outside without a coat, after being told that he would be allowed to return to collect his belongings. He told DeSmog that the heavy-handed response of the UN was symbolic of narrowing space for civil society participation at the talks. “This shows you that the UNFCCC cares more about the governments rather than the civil societies, even though they say they have a lot of support for civil society. It looks like something they’re saying, but not meaning,” he said.

EDIT

https://www.desmog.co.uk/2019/12/11/cop25-ngos-barred-un-climate-talks-after-unauthorised-protest