Human Rights Activists At Growing Risk Of Being Attacked And Killed

Earlier this month, Brazil's Marielle Franco was assassinated. A black, gay council woman known for fighting for the rights of the poor, she was a bright image illustrating the findings of a report by the Business and Human Rights Resource Center. The survey finds "a 34% global rise in attacks against human rights activists last year, including 120 alleged murders and hundreds of other cases involving threats, assaults and intimidation. The number of incidents were found to have risen sharply, with 388 attacks recorded in 2017 compared with 290 the previous year." Victims include protestors, unionists, lawyers, whistleblowers, and indigenous activists. Those fighting corporations on land rights for environmental justice were seen to be most at risk. 

Judicial intimidation, like aggressive lawsuits and detention, was used by companies against people protesting business activities like mining and agribusiness. Other cases included violent attacks and killings. Frontline Defenders and Earthrights International similarly see coordinated efforts of defamation, harassment, and intimidation against those who challenge corporate interests. For those like Marielle Franco, who were also widely seen as symbols of resistance, these dangers are preeminent.  

This article includes case studies from Mexico, Cambodia, Guatemala, France and Cameroon, but there are cases from all over the world, and the increase in assassinations is chilling for anyone who believes in the role of civil society.