BONN, Germany, June 16, 2025 — As the climate movement gathers in Bonn for the 62nd session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB62) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) condemns the hypocrisy of the German government hosting a forum for international law related to the climate while at the same time enabling Israel’s gross violations of international law in Gaza. CIEL echoes global calls for justice and accountability for the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Within the context of the Bonn climate negotiations, CIEL calls on Germany to uphold its obligations under international law, including the human rights to freedom of speech and assembly.
Despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) finding it plausible that Israel’s acts in Gaza amount to a genocide, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Germany continues to supply weapons to Israel and openly voice support for the country’s actions. Under the Genocide Convention and international law, every country has the positive legal obligation to take all measures required to prevent and to punish genocide, and the ICJ has explicitly ruled that States are under an obligation not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by Israel’s illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Yet, between October 2023 and May 2025, Germany’s arms and munitions exports to Israel totalled half a billion USD and its government has signaled no intention to limit further exports, for which it is now facing legal challenges, including domestically.
The contradiction between Germany’s role as host of international climate negotiations and its complicity in human rights abuses in Gaza undermines its credibility and the legitimacy of these talks. War and militarism accelerate climate chaos. Military offensives rely on fossil fuels, and bombardments create massive greenhouse gas emissions and toxic exposure. The carbon footprint of the first 15 months of Israel’s assault on Gaza exceeds the annual emissions of many countries, especially when taking into account emissions required for reconstruction.
In addition, the German government’s crackdown on peaceful protests calling for an end to the genocide and expressing solidarity with Palestinians infringe on the rights to freedom of expression and assembly, and it creates a chilling effect, deterring meaningful participation in democratic processes – including the Bonn climate talks – especially among marginalized and vulnerable groups. Many wishing to participate in the Bonn climate negotiations have expressed insecurity about travel to Germany, anticipating they must self-censor to remain safe. Host countries, all Parties, and the UNFCCC have a responsibility to ensure that all people can safely and securely participate in climate negotiating spaces.
CIEL calls on Germany and all complicit States to immediately halt arms and munitions exports to Israel, to comply with their obligations under the Genocide Convention to do everything in their power to help prevent or stop a suspected genocide, and to uphold the human rights of all who exercise their right to protest for an end to genocide and to protect Palestinians’ human rights before, during, and after the Bonn climate negotiations.
