August, 09 2016, 11:15am EDT
Deadly Shade of Green
New report reveals scale of threat to environmental defenders and indigenous communities in Latin America
Latin America is, by far, the most dangerous region in the world for environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs). The murder of campaigner Berta Caceres in March reverberated worldwide, but a new report by ARTICLE 19, CIEL, and Vermont Law School, A Deadly Shade of Green, reveals this to be only the tip of the iceberg, documenting an atmosphere of violence and physical threats, as well as surveillance, spurious charges, and arbitrary detention, across the region.
Key findings include:
- Human rights violations (from murder and physical attacks to arbitrary detention and surveillance) often linked to business interests of extractive industries and the State;
- Mining and construction projects implemented at the cost of local communities and the environment. Absence of transparency and a lack concern for the environment are major issues;
- Honduras is the most dangerous country for EHRDs. Proposed new laws to restrict protest and civil society activity are a worrying trend;
- Vested interests and weak rule of law increase vulnerability. Attacks on women environmental defenders doubled between 2012 and 2014.
"Those with vested interests in the exploitation of land in Latin America employ an armoury of threats to silence dissenting voices, who speak out against business and state interests," stated Thomas Hughes, Executive Director at ARTICLE 19. "Those who violate the rights of EHRDs often do so with impunity, with state apathy or even complicity, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship. The situation is dire: urgent action is needed to protect defenders, and the environment they fight to protect," Hughes added.
The report calls for immediate action to end the harassment and murder of human rights defenders, and for accountability for those perpetrating attacks across the region. Resource extraction and development projects must begin only with meaningful, inclusive and participatory consent processes. EHRDs must be empowered with the means to defend their rights. The Regional Agreement on environmental democracy under negotiation in Latin America and the Caribbean must provide effective mechanisms to safeguard the rights of EHRDs.
"The persistent escalation of violent attacks against environmental defenders can and must end," says Marcos Orellana, Director of the Human Rights & Environment Program at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). "Across Latin America, the systematic persecution of environmental human rights defenders is so pervasive that defending the environment has become synonymous with risking your safety and well-being. Both governments and corporations must be held accountable for their role in attacks against environmental defenders."
Since 1989, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) has worked to strengthen and use international law and institutions to protect the environment, promote human health, and ensure a just and sustainable society.
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Reps. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) and Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), co-chairs and co-founders of the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus, said in a joint statement, "Time and time again, Congress seems to be able to find the funds necessary to line the pockets of defense contractors while neglecting the problems everyday Americans face here at home."
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