Across the world, environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) have been catalysing actions to safeguard a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Their work has been crucial to the protection and respect of their human rights, the rights of their communities, and, ultimately, of all people. Their work also plays a major role in protecting the planet’s flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
By speaking up against activities that directly or indirectly harm the environment, EHRDs often oppose powerful interests, putting themselves, their families, and communities at risk. In addition to violent attacks (such as killings, torture and physical or sexual assaults), EHRDs face increasing trends of criminalisation; intimidation; attacks against their property; forced displacement or, in some cases, disappearances; and non-violent means to silence their work, including repressive laws.
The report acknowledges that there is no ‘one- size- fits-all’ formula for creating a safe and enabling space for EHRDs. Instead, the best support initiatives are co- designed, where possible, and implemented according to the EHRDs’ specific contexts and needs, and with their direct participation. The active, meaningful, and ongoing participation of EHRDs and their communities at all stages of developing, implementing, and assessing support initiatives is essential.
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