Since 1989, CIEL has used the power of law to protect the environment, promote human rights, and ensure a just and sustainable society.

With an office in Washington, DC, CIEL’s team of attorneys, policy experts, and support staff works to provide legal counsel and advocacy, policy research, and capacity building across our four program areas: Climate & Energy, Environmental Health, Fossil Economy, and People, Land & Resources.

CIEL also has a vibrant intern program for law students and fellows in both DC and Geneva to educate the next generation of international environmental advocates. Over its 25 years, CIEL has trained more than 500 interns and law fellows from 54 countries. In conjunction with this program, CIEL conducts a joint research and teaching program with American University’s Washington College of Law.

CIEL VALUES

Equity and justice require an intersectional approach. We know that only by addressing the root causes of overlapping systems of oppression can we hope to achieve our vision.
People already have and hold power. We work to expand that power through more inclusive participation, increased transparency, and access to remedy – the pillars of environmental democracy.
Accountability is essential for justice and equity. By holding states and corporations accountable, we counterbalance the harmful concentration of power that drives human rights violations and environmental harms.
Every person deserves compassion, empathy, and respect. This understanding undergirds our work internally within our own team, externally in our work with partners, and our dedication to human rights for all.
Collaboration and partnership are how we win. Our commitment to deep relationships means that we follow the leadership of people who are on the front lines and directly impacted as we co-power our work towards mutual goals.
A thriving planet requires transformative change. We support emerging movements and campaigns to develop coordinated strategies, so that we challenge the system, not just individual issues.
Transformation demands courageous integrity. We are not afraid to use bold strategies that target powerful actors and the systems that enable them in order to build and maintain trust with communities and partners around the world.
Hope is essential; we know a just and sustainable future is possible.

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