New York, United States (HRNW): Human Rights Watch has issued a new global appeal for governments to strengthen protection for environmental defenders, Indigenous activists and land defenders, warning that people advocating for environmental protection increasingly face harassment, criminalization, threats and violence. The appeal was published on 21 August 2026.
Human Rights Watch said the shrinking space for environmental advocacy is becoming an urgent human-rights concern. Environmental defenders frequently work to protect forests, land, water resources and communities from environmental damage, but can face retaliation because of their activism.
The organization argues that governments have a responsibility to create an environment in which environmental and Indigenous-rights defenders can operate safely, express their views, organize peacefully and participate in decisions affecting their communities.
The campaign connects environmental protection with fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, participation in public affairs and the rights of Indigenous peoples.
Human Rights Watch has also highlighted the need for accountability when defenders are subjected to violence, intimidation or unjust prosecution. The organization says authorities should investigate attacks and ensure that environmental advocacy is not treated as a criminal activity simply because it challenges powerful economic or political interests.
The latest intervention comes amid growing international attention to climate change, land rights, biodiversity protection and the safety of people defending communities and ecosystems.
For NGOs and civil-society organizations, protection of environmental defenders has increasingly become part of the broader struggle for human rights and sustainable development.
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Disclaimer
This HRNW report summarizes concerns and recommendations publicly expressed by Human Rights Watch. References to violence, repression, criminalization or threats reflect assessments reported by the cited organization and should not be interpreted as final judicial findings by HRNW. HRNW maintains complete editorial independence.
