We all have the right and the responsibility to promote human rights and to safeguard democracy and its institutions. Human rights defenders are those of us that actively do so. Around the world, civic freedoms and human rights defenders (HRDs) are increasingly under attack and the environment in which civil society can operate freely is narrowing. This phenomenon is taking place not just in countries that are led by repressive or autocratic governments, but also in established democracies. In particular, freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly, freedom of information, and the right to privacy, are under increasing attack. Both companies and defenders have a shared interest in the full respect of civic freedoms, characterised by non-discrimination, transparent and accountable government, and freedom from corruption.
Prioritisation of business interests over interests of communities and workers is one of the key challenges faced by defenders. HRDs who confront business interests – be it human rights lawyers, labour activists and unionists, land and environmental defenders, anti-corruption activists or human rights journalists – are among those defenders most at risk. They are key agents of change, and they contribute greatly to safeguarding human rights and ensuring corporate responsibility. This portal collects the latest news on struggles and victories of these defenders, public company actions and policies in support of defenders and civic freedoms, guidance for companies and investors, and developments related to the two most targeted groups - labour rights defenders and land and environmental defenders. It also links to our database of attacks and our interview series, where defenders share their strategies, victories, and recommendations and business representatives share their perspectives on protecting civic freedoms and human rights.
The responsibility of businesses to respect human rights not only entails a negative duty to refrain from violating the rights of others, but also a positive obligation to support a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders in the countries in which they are operating. Discharging this duty requires consultation with defenders in order to understand the issues at stake and the shortcomings that impede their work.Mr Michel Forst, former UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders
Further Reading
Featured stories & campaigns
Ecuador: Another pregnant Indigenous defender murdered for opposing illegal mining
24 years old Alba Bermeo Puin was shot and killed on the night of Friday, October 21, 2022. She was 5 months pregnant. This follows a series of attacks against women human rights defenders in the country, including pregnant women and women with very young babies. All of them were opposing illegal mining or oil companies operating in their lands.
Tanzania: Open Letter to stop evictions & criminalisation of Maasai land defenders
Maasai people in Loliondo, Tanzania, are facing violent eviction from their ancestral lands for a sport-hunting company linked to the United Arab Emirates Royal Family. Maasai defenders also face criminalisation and arrests. IPRI launched an Open Letter calling for the end of repression.
10 years of killings: 200 defenders killed in 2021 alone, says Global Witness
Global Witness new report shows dire state of land & environmental defenders across the globe. Over three-quarters of the killings recorded took place in Latin America, and over a quarter of the killings were linked to mining, logging, large-scale agribusiness, hydroelectric dams and other infrastructure.
Our analysis & infographics
Since 2015, the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre has been collecting data on attacks on human rights defenders, focusing on business sectors and specific businesses. Our infographics and briefings show patterns of violence, identify at-risk business sectors and geographic areas, provide guidance for business & investors as well as in-depth analysis of some specific types of attacks, such as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).
Explore further: Database of attacks on HRDs
The Resource Centre collects data on attacks on defenders that are targeted because they raise concerns about business sectors and operations. Collecting data about attacks on defenders is important in order to analyse patterns of violence, identify at-risk business sectors and geographic areas, and provide support to targeted individuals and groups.
HRDs interview series
The Resource Centre collects interviews with activists, journalists and human rights defenders, where they share their strategies, victories, and recommendations on protecting civic freedoms and human rights.