- Delegates from several of the world's poorest and most climate-vulnerable countries are facing significant visa barriers to attend the Bonn Climate Change Conference in Germany.
- Nations including Sudan, Yemen, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and The Gambia have reported difficulties, resulting in smaller delegations or the absence of key representatives at the crucial UN climate talks.
- Representatives from Sudan and Yemen highlighted visa refusals, with one Yemeni delegate rejected twice despite sponsorship, severely impacting their ability to cover multiple negotiation tracks.
- Germany's Federal Foreign Office stated that visa decisions adhere to Schengen law, requiring applicants to credibly demonstrate their intent to leave the territory before their visa expires.
- Experts warn that excluding these countries from the annual UN climate talks undermines their ability to influence the global climate agenda and raises concerns about equitable climate diplomacy.
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