Three UN human rights experts call on every government to protect environmental and land rights defenders. 

Speaking on World Environment Day on 5th June 2016, the three UN human rights experts include:

• Mr. John Knox, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment;
• Mr. Michael Forst, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; and
• Ms. Victoria Tauli Corpuz, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous people.

The three experts said protecting environmental rights defenders is crucial to protect the environment and the human rights that depend on it. Environmental human rights defenders put themselves at risk to protect the rights of others but are often targeted as if they were enemies of the State.

According to civil society figures, two environmental and land rights activities are killed on average each week and the numbers are increasing. The situation is grave, especially in Latin America and Southeast Asia although it affects every region in the world. 

In March 2016, the Human Rights Council adopted a landmark Resolution which requires States to ensure the rights and safety of human rights defenders working towards the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. However, governments were urged to do much more as States are failing to meet these obligations. Of the nearly 1,000 reported murders over the last decade, fewer than 10 have resulted in convictions and the culprits are rarely held accountable for their crimes.

For more details of the press release, please click here.