India (Commonwealth Union)_ In a striking moment at the United Nations Climate Conference 2023 (COP28) in Dubai, Licypriya Kangujam, a 12-year-old climate activist from Manipur, India, boldly took the stage, brandishing a sign that declared, “End fossil fuels. Save our planet and our future.” The impromptu appearance drew applause from the audience, and Licypriya delivered a brief speech on the phase-out of fossil fuels before being escorted away. Acknowledging the young activist’s passion, COP28 Director-General Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi expressed admiration and urged the audience to applaud her once more.
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Licypriya later shared a video of the event on X, revealing that she was detained for over 30 minutes for her peaceful protest. She emphasized her cause, advocating for the phase-out of fossil fuels, the primary contributor to the current climate crisis, and lamented being expelled from COP28. Sharing the video, she wrote, “They detained me for over 30 minutes after this protest. My only crime- Asking to Phase Out Fossil Fuels, the top cause of the climate crisis today. Now they kicked me out of COP28.
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Addressing the situation on X, Licypriya questioned the rationale behind revoking her badge for protesting against fossil fuels. She called for support and the immediate reinstatement of her badges, asserting a violation and abuse of child rights within the UN premises, contrary to UN principles that grant her the right to voice her concerns. She wrote, “What is the reason to cease my badge for protesting against fossil fuels? If you’re really standing against fossil fuels, then you must support me, and you must immediately release my badges. This is a gross violation and abuse of Child Rights on UN premises, which is against the UN principle. I have the right to raise my voice at the UN.”
The COP28 discussions involved nearly 200 countries grappling with the contentious issue of phasing out fossil fuels. Licypriya’s actions on the global stage underscore the urgency and passion of the younger generation in pushing for decisive climate action. This year’s climate conference in Dubai has attracted approximately 60,000 delegates from 190 nations, with Licypriya holding the position of Special Envoy of Timor Leste at the age of 12, adding further weight to her impactful advocacy for environmental sustainability.
