Safeguarding human rights defenders against judicial harassment by extractive and agricultural corporations
Our partner, the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) is building a network of litigation experts who fight against the criminalisation of socio-environmental defenders.
Individuals and grassroots organisations trying to stop ruthless corporations causing social and environmental harm in their territories, regularly face violence and retaliation lawsuits from the organisations they speak out against. The arrest of Abelino Chub Caal during a peaceful protest to protect indigenous communities’ land rights in Guatemala is a typical case. Accused by two agribusiness companies of aggravated land grabbing, arson and illicit association, the land defender was wrongfully imprisoned for over two years before being acquitted of all charges.
We are partnering with the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre to help end the criminalisation of environmental and human rights defenders who work tirelessly against corporate abuse in the Pan-Amazon. Since 2015, BHRRC has been recording attacks against defenders in a global database. BHRRC collaborates with partners globally to advance human rights in business and eradicate abuse. It is an international organisation with the potential to reach high-level stakeholders. By engaging with local communities to understand the impact of businesses on the ground, BHRRC empowers grassroots activists and connects them to an international audience.
Porticus Partner: Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
Photos courtesy of Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
