The report from the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre sheds light on the alarming number of attacks and civil violations faced by human rights defenders worldwide over the past decade. Miguel Guimaraes, a Shipibo-Konibo leader from Peru, is one of the many activists who have endured harassment and violence for standing up against corporate interests, particularly in the Amazon rainforest.
Guimaraes’ story is a harrowing one – masked men broke into his home, stole his belongings, set his house on fire, and left a threatening message on the wall. Despite international support and calls for protection from the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, his assailants remain unidentified.
The report reveals that over 6,400 activists have faced similar attacks for defending human rights against corporate interests. Indigenous peoples, who make up only 6 percent of the world’s population, accounted for one-fifth of the documented crimes. They were also more likely to be killed, especially in countries like Brazil, the Philippines, and Mexico.
The attacks on human rights defenders are often linked to governments restricting civic space and prioritizing economic profit. Many defenders face harassment, physical violence, death threats, and even killings for speaking out against the social and environmental harm caused by industrial development. The report highlights that the majority of cases involve environmental defenders, with 96 percent of Indigenous people advocating for environmental and land issues.
Local organizations play a crucial role in documenting and reporting these attacks, but the true scale of the problem may be even higher. Defenders often share information about attacks at great personal risk. The report also exposes how companies, trade associations, and governments have used law enforcement to intervene in peaceful protests, leading to further violations of human rights.
One of the most notorious cases highlighted in the report is the protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline, which saw a campaign of harassment, intimidation, and arrests against activists. Energy Transfer, the company behind the project, even filed a defamation suit against Greenpeace, resulting in a staggering $660 million verdict.
The report underscores the use of SLAPP suits by companies to silence dissent and harass protestors. While fossil fuel companies are major offenders, renewable energy sectors have also been linked to cases of harassment and violence against human rights defenders. However, mining remains the leading sector in attacks on defenders, including those advocating for “transition minerals.”
The report serves as a wake-up call for governments, companies, and civil society to prioritize the protection of human rights defenders and ensure their safety as they continue to fight for social and environmental justice. The statistics surrounding violence and harassment against Indigenous people in the context of mining and mineral extraction industries are alarming. Forty percent of those killed in such crimes were Indigenous, highlighting the disproportionate impact on these communities. This is further underscored by the fact that more than half of all critical minerals are located in or near Indigenous land, making them vulnerable targets for exploitation.
In response to these issues, the UN Special Rapporteur issued a statement emphasizing the importance of supporting Indigenous Peoples in securing their land rights and self-determination. This is crucial for biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation. Businesses, particularly those in the mining and metals sector, are facing increasing pressure to ensure that their operations respect Indigenous rights and mitigate risks to communities.
The Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative (CSMI) is one example of a voluntary framework aimed at improving industry practices. This initiative requires mining operations to work with communities to identify and address risks, including those faced by human rights defenders. The International Council of Mining and Metals has also strengthened its member commitments to include human rights defenders in due diligence processes.
Despite these efforts, the demand for critical minerals and infrastructure to support technologies like AI is growing, leading to new threats to Indigenous communities. The report emphasizes the need for broad agreements and policies to protect human rights defenders and ensure Indigenous stewardship of their land. However, Indigenous organizations remain skeptical of voluntary industry participation and advocate for mandatory measures to safeguard human rights.
While progress is slow, there have been some positive developments. A growing number of companies have pledged not to contribute to or assist in attacks against human rights defenders. However, the implementation of these policies remains a challenge. Overall, there is a call for stronger enforcement mechanisms and mandatory participation to ensure the protection of human rights defenders and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities.
