The International Rights of Nature Tribunal is a global forum established by citizens to investigate and expose violations of the Rights of Nature, as outlined in the Universal Declaration on the Rights of Mother Earth (PDF). It provides a platform for individuals worldwide to advocate for Nature, protest environmental destruction—often driven by corporations and sanctioned by governments—and demand accountability. The Tribunal not only brings visibility to conflicts and their perpetrators but also issues legal recommendations aimed at protecting and restoring the Earth, offering model jurisprudence for grassroots communities.
A key focus of the Tribunal is amplifying the voices of Indigenous Peoples, who serve as stewards of the Earth. It empowers them to share the profound impacts of environmental degradation on their territories while contributing traditional knowledge and innovative solutions for land, water, and cultural preservation. The Tribunal fosters dialogue between Indigenous communities and the global public, creating a shared vision for sustainable practices.
Building on the success of its 6th international hearing during New York Climate Week in September 2023—centered on “The End of the Fossil Fuel Era”—the Tribunal will hold its next session in Toronto, Canada, in February 2025. This session strategically coincides with the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Conference, a flagship event for the global mining industry.
Themed “The Post-Extractivism Non-Mining Era,” the session will highlight the unsustainable practices of Canadian mining companies worldwide. Witnesses from diverse regions will present cases illustrating the environmental and human rights impacts of these operations. An expert panel, comprising international and Indigenous leaders, will evaluate the testimonies using the Rights of Nature framework to determine whether violations have occurred. The session will conclude with an oral verdict, providing actionable recommendations to address these injustices while championing the Rights of Nature as a vital response to the environmental and climate crises.
This event aims to raise awareness, elevate marginalized voices, and inspire transformative action toward a sustainable and equitable future.
Our Faculty's International Human Rights Program (IHRP) and Environmental Law Club (ELC) are organizing this event in collaboration with the International Rights of Nature Tribunal and Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN).
Registration is required – a registration link will be provided here shortly.
