A monthly newsletter for scholars, policy-makers, and civil society members | | In this edition, we bring you updates from Europe with our team present at two conferences: the OSCE's Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting on the prevention of torture in Vienna, Austria, and the First European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders in Strasbourg, France. We also share an announcement from our partner, FracTracker, on the 2026 Community Sentinel Awards, which we sponsor and contribute to as a member of the Host Committee. | | Join us in uncovering narratives, promoting transparency, and advocating for environmental and human rights of people and communities, especially those who are marginalized by extractive, corporate, and authoritarian actions. | | This year, the call for climate justice has never been greater. If our mission resonates with you, please consider supporting us to ensure that our vital work can continue in these fraught and fragile times. | | OSCE's Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting III | |
| Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting, Vienna, Austria, 11 May 2026 © OSCE / Micky Kroell. | |
Our Research Director Jeffrey Dunn of Crude Accountability delivered an intervention at the OSCE’s third Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting in Vienna, Austria, on preventing torture and ill-treatment, organized by the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the OSCE, with the support of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
Highlighting the hostile rhetoric of the Trump regime towards migrants, Dunn addressed the concerning development of enforced disappearances in the United States.
In 2025, US Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have allegedly forcibly disappeared at least 2,000 people.
Dunn also spoke about the horrifying conditions and degrading treatment of detainees at ICE detention facilities.
In accordance with OSCE Decision 7/20, all OSCE participating States should ensure that torture, inhumane conditions, and enforced disappearances are not tolerated in any member State.
| | 1st European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) | |
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1st European Forum of Environmental Human Rights Defenders, Strasbourg, France, 4 Jun 2026
© Council of Europe, Strasbourg.
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Our team was also at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg for the First European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders (June 3-4).
The forum was a collaboration of civil society, grassroots movements, Indigenous Peoples, and governments to strengthen the protections for environmental defenders in Europe.
In a published video, Crude Accountability Research Director Jeffrey Dunn explains what is an “environmental human rights defender” and the importance of this Forum for the community.
| | '26 Community Sentinel Awards: Nominations are Open! | |
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Do you know someone making a difference through organizing, advocacy, education, storytelling, or community care? Nominate them for the 2026 Community Sentinel Award for Environmental Stewardship.
The Sentinel Awards, presented by FracTracker and Halt the Harm Network, brings together these leaders, grassroots organizers, researchers, artists, and advocates for a weekend of recognition, connection, and community-rooted programming.
Crude Accountability is a sponsor of this annual event.
This year’s ceremony will take place on November 12, in New Orleans, with both in-person and virtual participation available.
The deadline to submit a nomination is July 31.
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A new publication by Polina Veretelnikova of CEE Bankwatch Network and the Ecological Society Green Salvation looks at the accountability shortfalls with the expansion of the Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan, financed by the EBRD and IFC.
The paper raises civil society’s concerns over the project, including the failure to establish sanitary protection zones, lack of transparency, and intimidation tactics against critical voices.
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The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project identified at least 31 companies registered in Azerbaijan managing the safety of sanctioned tankers that are a part of Russia’s “shadow fleet.”
The shadow fleet not only fuels Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine but poses a serious threat to the environment
Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu also explores Azerbaijan’s covert delivery of sanctioned Russian oil in his blog post last year.
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An AP and KFF Health News investigation revealed that hundreds of detainees in the United States allege medical neglect in immigration detention centers.
In May, Crude Accountability Researcher Lina Olberding interviewed a woman, married to a US citizen, who was detained by ICE and claims that she was denied proper medical attention to manage her diabetes and kept in solitary medical confinement during her stay at Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego, CA.
| | If you like this newsletter, then please consider supporting us with a monthly or one-time donation. You may also write a check to Crude Accountability, P.O. Box 423, Linden, VA, 22642. | | Images in this newsletter are either licensed for editorial use or belong to Crude Accountability. | | |
Almaty International Airport, 18 May 2009 © Kayhan Ertugrul, CC BY-SA 3.0
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Processing Center at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City, New York, July 10, 2025. (DHS photo by Tia Dufour/Released)
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