REDESCA and SRFOE condemn online violence against children, adolescents, and young people who defend the environment and climate

September 16, 2025

Washington, DC—The Special Rapporteurship on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) and the Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression (SRFOE) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) express their concern and condemn the manifestations of online violence against children, adolescents, and young people who defend the environment, protect nature, and promote actions against climate change in the region. Both Special Rapporteurs call on States to adopt urgent and effective measures to prevent, investigate, and punish these attacks, and to establish enhanced protection mechanisms to ensure that children, adolescents, and young defenders can fully exercise their right to freedom of expression and participate safely and meaningfully in environmental and climate issues, both in digital environments and in the public space in general.

In 2025, the Special Rapporteurs have received reports of online attacks against children and adolescents who defend human rights and the environment. Of particular concern is the case of Francisco Vera, a 15-year-old Colombian adolescent who has been the victim of death threats, constant harassment, and smear campaigns on social media because of his activism in defense of the environment. According to the information received, some messages falsely link him to illegal armed groups, accusing him of being a "narco-terrorist" and "guerrilla leader," in addition to spreading manipulated images of him and disparaging remarks related to his age. The Special Rapporteurs note with concern that many of these attacks come from accounts associated with political leaders and public officials, according to the reports received.

The Special Rapporteurs strongly condemn these threats and harassment against Francisco Vera, his family, and other children and adolescents in the region. Such attacks violate their fundamental rights and have an intimidating effect that seeks to discourage the defense of the environment and participation in debates that are essential to democracy. Furthermore, they reflect a worrying deterioration in public debate on social media, inhibiting the free, safe, and pluralistic participation of children and young people in matters of high public interest, including environmental protection and the response to the climate emergency.

In light of these events, the Rapporteurships remind that children and adolescents are direct and active holders of the right to freedom of expression. As stated in the report on "Childhood, freedom of expression, and the media in the Americas" this right encompasses not only the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information, but also the possibility of expressing their views on issues that affect or interest them, regardless of the communication channels that the adult world may offer them. On an individual level, freedom of expression allows them to express their own thoughts, ideas, and information. On a collective level, this freedom enables society—including children and adolescents themselves—to access information, learn about different opinions, and be well informed. Consequently, they reiterate that the promotion of freedom of expression for children and adolescents, according to the American Convention, should be interpreted in the broadest and most effective manner possible.

Likewise, in line with the provisions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in its Advisory Opinion AO-32/25, the Special Rapporteurs recall that States have an obligation to prevent all forms of violence, guarantee the full exercise of children's rights—including freedom of expression—and ensure their safe, effective, and meaningful participation in environmental and climate issues. This requires recognizing and protecting the fundamental role they play as environmental defenders, creating an environment conducive to their work, and ensuring their protection from intimidation, harassment, and violence.

Finally, the Rapporteurs urge States to guarantee equitable, safe, and effective access for children and adolescents to digital environments, promoting actions that prevent their exclusion and ensure that they can share information and be heard on issues that affect and interest them. The promotion and strengthening of children's digital citizenship is essential for their full integration into a society where new technologies play a central role in public participation.

The Special Rapporteurship on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) is an office created by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) with the aim of strengthening the promotion and protection of economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights in the Americas, leading the Commission's efforts in this area.

The Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression (SRFOE) is an office created by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to promote the defense of the right to freedom of thought and expression throughout the hemisphere, considering its fundamental role in the consolidation and development of the democratic system.

No. R186/25

3:40 PM