Protecting those who defend the environment is a matter of human rights | John H Knox, Michel Forst and Victoria Tauli-Corpuz

On World Environment Day, we urge governments to address the growing threat to activists and indigenous people by bringing those who harm them to justice

The enjoyment of a vast range of human rights, including rights to life, health, food, water, and housing, depend on a healthy and sustainable environment. Today, on World Environment Day, let us remember that those who work to protect the environment are not only environmentalists – they are human rights defenders. And they are increasingly at risk.

As the international demand grows for the exploitation of natural resources in developing countries, so the threats to environmental defenders increase. Those who oppose development projects are often treated as enemies of the state and, all too often, they are targeted for assassination.

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Source: Guardian Environment