After the death of a cyclist in Berlin, a UN spokesman called for responsibility in climate protests – but also showed understanding for the demos.
“People have to be committed, but of course they have to be responsible in every situation so as not to cause physical harm to others,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in New York on Friday. “But I doubt that any protests were intended to delay medical care.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres shares the anger and frustration of demonstrators at the lack of progress in the fight against global warming – protests are important. “We saw the youth movements a couple of years ago and I don’t think we would have made the progress we’ve made without those movements,” continued Dujarric.
The background is a debate about an incident in Berlin: According to the fire department, a special vehicle that was supposed to help free a cyclist who was injured in an accident under a truck last Monday was stuck in a traffic jam. This is said to have been triggered by a climate protest. The activists are criticized after the accident that resulted in the death of the woman.