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Older women were exhibited three times in Switzerland with their environmental complaint against the state. Now they are trying the European Court of Human Rights.
The Swiss Climate Nurses Association wants to force the federal government to do more climate protection with a complaint. Around 1,800 seniors are demanding a tougher climate policy from him. Switzerland has a constitutional obligation to protect the life and health of its citizens.
Deaths from heat waves
Without more effective protective measures, older women in particular are particularly affected by the heat waves of recent years, Co-Chair Rosmarie Wydler argues, adding: “In the lawsuit, our particular concern is scientifically proven.” There were deaths from heat waves, especially among older women.
However, the plaintiffs have had their application denied multiple times, most recently in May in federal court. That is why they are now filing their complaint in Strasbourg with the European Court of Human Rights. However, this rejects 95 percent of the cases.
Lawsuit approved in the Netherlands
However, there is still the possibility of moving to Strasbourg, according to experts such as constitutional lawyer Rainer Schweizer of the University of St. Gallen. This case is of fundamental importance for the interpretation and application of various provisions of the Human Rights Convention. “That’s why I think it’s possible for the court to stand up,” says Schweizer.
The professor of constitutional law emphasizes that the issue also concerns other European countries. One such environmental lawsuit against the state was upheld in the Netherlands last year.
Now, Swiss climatologists also hope their complaint will result in a landmark trial. Constitutional lawyers believe it is quite possible that the Swiss lawsuit could set a precedent for the whole of Europe.
