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
- Press Release | COP27: Groups warn of severe climate and human rights risk of new hydropower dams and schemesDams and hydropower schemes create major loss and damage, including producing significant amounts of methane, biodiversity loss, and community displacement. In a warming world, droughts and flooding make hydropower an…
- Guinea is at a crossroads in meeting its energy needs and respecting rightsNew study shows solar alternatives would cost less and outperform the proposed Koukoutamba Dam in Guinea by Josh Klemm & Ibrahima Kalil Bamba During a trip to Guinea last month,…
- Geopolitics are not accounting for local communitiesOriginally published in Centre on Asia and Globalisation Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy’s newsletter Guest Column by Pianporn Deetes is Regional Campaigns Director, Southeast Asia Program at International…
- “We need infrastructure for the Amazon and not just in the Amazon” asks NGOs in letter to presidential candidates during 2022 Infrastructure Working Group (GT Infraestrutura) annual meetingAlter do Chão (Pará) – More than 60 participants reunited this week in Alter do Chão, Pará, for 2022 GT Infraestrutura Annual Meeting, a group formed by environmental NGOs, social…
- Defenders of Brazilian Amazon travel to Europe to Denounce Threats and Rights Violations by Industrial and Illegal MiningA delegation comprised of Brazilian Indigenous and community leaders from the Amazonian Xingu and Tapajós regions is traveling to Belgium and Switzerland to meet with European Union officials and denounce…