River communities’ rights are deeply entwined with the environment. The fragmentation, over-extraction and pollution of river systems threatens fundamental rights to water, food, housing, health, livelihoods and culture.

Large dams have a particularly troubled human rights record: According to the World Commission on Dams report, they:
…forced some 40-80 million people from their lands in the 20th century. Legions of dam refugees – largely indigenous, tribal and peasant communities – have been economically, culturally and psychologically devastated. Millions have suffered from the diseases dams bring, and an estimated 400-800 million people have faced downstream changes.
Our Work to Protect Human Rights
Around the world, environmental defenders face growing threats to their lives and safety. We work with community leaders, women, indigenous peoples and civil society activists to draw attention to these threats, support their efforts to protect their lands and waters, and plan for a just energy transition.
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Latest News
- Inspired by Mariluz Canaquiri, 2025 Goldman Winner? Here are 11 more women revolutionizing River Protection worldwide.On the global front lines of climate justice, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Mariluz Canaquiri Murayari. This year, the Peruvian Indigenous leader was awarded the prestigious 2025…
- Women at the Forefront of Water Governance: Paving the Way to a Sustainable and Climate-Just FutureAs we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we highlight the critical role of women river defenders in shaping water governance across Asia and beyond. The world stands at a critical…
- Remembering River Defender Berta Caceres“They are afraid of us because we are not afraid.” –Berta Caceres. By Kate Fried Today marks the ninth anniversary of the tragic assassination of our friend, Berta Caceres. She…
- A letter to river defender and climate advocate, Dang Dinh Bach, in prisonBy Maureen Harris, Senior Advisor of International Rivers Today, 24 January 2025, marks three years since the unjust trial and sentencing of our partner and friend, environmental lawyer and climate advocate…
- Press Release | Vietnamese Climate Leader Mr. Dang Dinh Bach to Spend Fourth Tết Holiday (Vietnamese New Year) in PrisonFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JANUARY 24, 2025 Media contact: v4climateleaders@gmail.com Bach to Receive Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty for Human Rights While Behind Bars Vietnam – Today – Friday, January 24th…