A Platform to Protect Environmental Defenders

Since 2012, at least 2,106 people have been killed for trying to protect their land or natural resources. Of the attacks that occurred in 2023, 85% took place in Latin America; the majority in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Honduras. In most cases where environmental defenders are killed, no one is arrested and very few are prosecuted. This receives very limited attention and there is a lack of evidence on effective ways to ensure that the attacks are investigated and lead to prosecution. Several actors have therefore expressed a need for a compilation where all available information is gathered along with lessons learned.

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) aims to strengthen accountability for attacks on environmental defenders and thereby enhance their protection by creating a platform with investigations and prosecutions that highlight effective approaches and put pressure on governments and authorities to act.

The project is supported with SEK 2 990 000

What happens in the project?

– ELI is developing a platform that compiles data on investigations and prosecutions related to lethal attacks on environmental defenders in Mexico, Honduras, Brazil, and Colombia.

– The information is gathered through research and consultations.

– The platform will be launched in Colombia and accompanied by webinars. The goal is to raise awareness about effective approaches for investigating and prosecuting such attacks, while also putting pressure on authorities and governments to take action.

– A report in English, Spanish, and Portuguese will be published and disseminated.

– The long-term objective is for the platform to become global, incorporating material from additional countries after the project period ends

Why did the project receive support?

Environmental defenders work to reduce damage to land, water, and climate. They are often the last line of defense for critical ecosystems, protected areas, and wildlife. Therefore, they and their organizations have crucial global significance, and their human rights and safety must be protected. Impunity fuels further attacks, underscoring the urgent need to hold perpetrators accountable.