08/05/2026
DEMANDING CLIMATE JUSTICE AND A LIVABLE FUTURE IS NOT A CRIME.
We are deeply alarmed by the detention of peaceful activists from Greenpeace Southeast Asia during the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines. Their action was a legitimate and nonviolent call for ASEAN leaders to confront the worsening plastic and climate crises, hold polluting corporations accountable, and end the regionโs dangerous dependence on fossil fuels.
One of those currently detained stood with many of us during the Regional Convening on the Visayas Young Feminist Manifesto on Climate Action โ a space grounded in solidarity, justice, and the shared struggle of communities already bearing the impacts of the climate crisis.
In line with our manifesto, we demand the protection of environmental defenders. Without them, our environment will be the playground of the powerful, a mere money-maker of corporations. The Philippines remains the deadliest country in Asia for environmental defenders, with numerous threats and criminalization of those at the climate frontlines.
Peaceful protest is not a crime. Raising the voices of communities affected by pollution, plastic waste, and climate disasters should never be met with intimidation or detention.
We call for the immediate release of all detained activists and urge authorities to uphold the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. ASEAN leaders must stop silencing those demanding accountability and instead listen to the calls of people across the region for real climate justice and systemic change.
The climate and waste crises cannot be solved by suppressing dissent. They can only be addressed through courage, accountability, and urgent action.
