French Court to Hear Indigenous Community Case Against EDF

After nearly six years of legal proceedings, a French court will hear a case brought by members of the Indigenous community of Unión Hidalgo, Oaxaca, against Électricité de France (EDF), regarding the Gunaa Sicarú wind project. The hearing is set for September 24 at 1:30 p.m. in the Paris Judicial Court.

This case marks the first instance in France under the Duty of Vigilance Law concerning potential violations of Indigenous and collective rights. The community claims that EDF failed to respect their right to consultation, the collective nature of their land, and their right to give free, prior and informed consent (FPIC). The project was also associated with community polarization, intimidation, harassment, and attacks against human rights defenders.

EDF ended the Gunaa Sicarú wind project in January 2026, but the legal proceedings continue due to the harm already caused and the broader implications for other communities. "Although we managed to stop the project, what we went through cannot be erased. Taking this case to court in France means our voice can be heard beyond Mexico. We hope it helps ensure that other communities do not have to go through the same thing and shows that no energy can be called clean if it does not respect our rights," said Guadalupe Ramírez, a member of the Unión Hidalgo community.

Alejandra Ancheita, Executive Director of ProDESC, added, "In Latin America and the Global South, we see a recurring pattern: megaprojects arrive under the promise of development or the energy transition, but end up violating rights. There is no just transition if communities' rights are violated."

Guillermo Torres, Legal Coordinator at ProDESC, emphasized, "Against a backdrop of weakening due diligence mechanisms, this case takes on even greater significance. Companies' human rights obligations do not end at the borders of the country where they are headquartered."

The hearing will examine the merits of the case, which is expected to have far-reaching implications for how companies operate in relation to Indigenous communities and their rights. Representatives from ECCHR and CCFD-Terre Solidaire will be in Paris and available for interviews and statements before and after the hearing.