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 | Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition Statement on Release of Hoang Thi Minh HongFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 MEDIA CONTACT: v4climateleaders@gmail.com The Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition, a group of over 30 international and regional environmental, climate justice, and human rights organizations, celebrates … Read more
- Asia Pacific Feminist Forum Event | Asserting rights to rivers, territories and life in the face of authoritarian crack-downs: lessons from cross-border organizingDate: Thursday, September 12th Time: 11am Location: Asia Pacific Feminist Forum, Chiang Mai, Thailand Hydropower continues to be promoted as part of the energy transition, backed by vested interests across … Read more
- Biocultural Community Protocols, a powerful tool to affirm and protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights by Sherelee Odayar, Senior Programme Officer, Standing with Communities, Natural Justice The Process of developing the Biocultural Community Protocol of the OvaHerero of the Kaokoland in Namibia and Angola For … Read more
- PRESS RELEASE | Klamath River Runs Free for First Time in a Century as Largest Dam Removal in US History Nears CompletionTribal and conservation advocates celebrate as river is returned to historic channel; restoration activities to continue for several more years FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 28, 2024 CONTACT Ren Brownell, ren@klamathrenewal.org, KRRC PIO, 530-598-8255Craig … Read more
- Global Letter Writing Campaign: Stand with Bach and Climate DefendersJune 24th, 2024 marks the third anniversary of the wrongful arrest and imprisonment of environmental lawyer and climate justice advocate, Dang Dinh Bach, on trumped-up charges and under harsh and … Read more