At least 30 companies have policies that mention defenders, and some explicitly endorse the zero-tolerance approach to violence against them in their supply chains.

Recognizing that reprisals against project stakeholders who voice opinions or opposition to project activities have grown in visibility worldwide, with the potential to be magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic, IFC released guidance for its clients on how to address them.

Company executives speak out against racism & in support of the Black Lives Matter movement

Protests against systemic racism and police brutality against Black people and in support of justice, accountability, and equity have spread across the USA and worldwide. Executives at companies such as Citi, Netflix, Nike, Twitter and others made statements against racism and some have expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Many advocates have critiqued companies for making supportive statements but not taking action against racism or publicly releasing information about diversity among staff, leadership, and Board members.