Environmental Defenders at Risk

Why attend

Corporations, illegal activities and governments exploit land, water and other natural resources. Indigenous communities and local people rely on these resources for their livelihoods, and they are putting their lives at risk. Taking two cases in Tanzania and Perú, we will discuss the concrete and innovative strategies in protecting the defenders.

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Ten Peruvian environmental and territory defenders have been killed during the quarantine that began in March last year. This alarming figure confirms what had already been declared by former United Nations rapporteur Michel Forst: Peru is one of the most dangerous countries for people who defend the environment and the rights of indigenous peoples. Although Peru has made progress in the development and implementation of tools and standards, these still do not have a positive impact on the field. The lack of budget and coordination between sectors have been great limitations to achieve effective protection. Likewise, impunity for these crimes continues to be a constant.