Mining, agribusiness and oil, gas & coal sectors consistently named as the most dangerous sectors for attacks against defenders
New research published today (7 May 2024) has highlighted an alarming number of attacks taking place against people raising concerns about risks and harm to the environment related to irresponsible business activity.
The data, published annually by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC), recorded 630 attacks directly affecting an estimated 20,000 people involved in speaking out against business-related harms during 2023. Over three-quarters (78%) of these attacks were against people taking action to protect the climate, environmental and land rights. These figures are just the tip of the iceberg, with the data only reflecting what is accessible through public sources of information.
Although attacks were recorded in almost every sector in 2023, the sectors connected with the highest number of attacks were mining (165), agribusiness (117) and oil, gas & coal (112). They have consistently been the most dangerous sectors since BHRRC began documenting these attacks in 2015 – and are the very sectors fuelling the planetary crisis.
Indigenous Peoples are particularly at risk when fighting for our planet. Since January 2015, more than 1,000 attacks have been recorded against Indigenous defenders globally, 93% of whom were raising concerns about harms to their lands and territories, our climate and/or the environment. In 2023, over a fifth of attacks (22%) were against Indigenous defenders, who are?protecting over 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity, although they comprise approximately 6% of the global population. Over three-quarters (78%) of these attacks against Indigenous defenders took place in Latin America, which has been one of the most dangerous regions for attacks against defenders consistently since 2015.
Christen Dobson, Co-Head, Civic Freedoms & Human Rights Defenders Program, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, said: “We have been documenting attacks against those speaking out about harmful business activities since 2015 – and every year are appalled at the continued violence against people protecting our rights and planet. Mining, agribusiness, and the fossil fuels sectors – those fuelling the planetary crisis – are yet against connected with the highest number of attacks against human rights and environmental defenders. Companies in these sectors must adopt and implement policy commitments to zero tolerance for attacks on defenders. These sectors also urgently need to shift their practice to priorities a just transition to renewable energy grounded in respect for human rights, including Indigenous Peoples’ rights to self-determination and free, prior and informed consent. This includes the right to say no.
“Many business actors are failing in their responsibility to respect human rights, resulting in harm to people and the environment, fuelling the triple planetary crisis we currently face. Listening to defenders is vital to understanding the risks and harms associated with business activity and to ensuring the transition to green economies is just and benefits workers, environmental defenders and their communities. It is high time companies and governments recognize the crucial role of defenders in addressing the climate crisis and ensure their voices are heard, not suppressed – or worse. Human rights defenders share information about the risks and harms associated with business activity, which is essential to ensuring responsible business conduct and a just transition. Despite this, defenders are often seen as obstacles or threats – with most companies failing to even adopt policies expressing zero-tolerance against attacks on them. Clearly, voluntary action by companies is insufficient and there is an urgent need for robust mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation, grounded in safe and effective stakeholder engagement and containing strong safeguards for human rights defenders. Governments must step in and fulfil their duty to protect the rights of defenders. One critical step is legally recognizing and protecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights, including their rights to self- determination and to their lands, territories and resources.”
