Environment
As the world urbanizes and industrializes, and as effects of climate change intensify, environmental crises will increasingly devastate the lives, health, and livelihoods of people around the globe. A lack of legal regulation and enforcement of industrial and artisanal mining, large-scale dams, deforestation, domestic water and sanitation systems, and heavily polluting industries can lead to host of human rights violations. Activists and ordinary citizens defending their rights to land and the environment may face intimidation, legal harassment and deadly violence. The primary victims of environmental harm are often impoverished and marginalized communities with limited opportunity to meaningfully participate in decision-making and public debate on environmental issues, and have little access to independent courts to achieve accountability and redress.
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BrazilWe are writing to share our concerns regarding the environmental and human rights crisis unfolding in the Brazilian Amazon, and to urge that the EU-Mercosur trade agreement not be considered for ratification until Brazil demonstrates its readiness to meet its commitment to preserve the rainforest and uphold its duty to protect the people who live there.Letter to the European Union on the EU-Mercosur Deal
July 6, 2020
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A Dirty Investment
European Development Banks’ Link to Abuses in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Palm Oil Industry
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News
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EU/Brazil: Delay Trade Deal Pending Amazon Crisis Response
Establish Benchmarks to Address Violence, Deforestation
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UN: Environmental Emergency Undermines Children’s Rights
A Call for Child-Focused Action on Climate Change, Environmental Degradation
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Canada, Ontario Need to Address Toxic Legacy
Mercury Contamination Sickens, Kills Indigenous Community Members
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Recommendations For New EU Legislation on Mandatory Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence
Letter to European Commissioner for Justice and Members of the European Parliament
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Bangladesh Coal Plants Threaten World’s Largest Mangrove Forest
Important Coastal Barrier at Risk from Increased Pollution
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US Study Suggests Hurricanes May Trigger Early Births
Most Vulnerable Communities May See Biggest Effects
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Human Rights Watch Testimony to US House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee
Covid-19 Disparities Reflect Structural Racism, Abuses
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US: Covid-19 Disparities Reflect Structural Racism, Abuses
Human Rights Watch Testimony to US House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee
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Lebanon: Huge Cost of Inaction in Trash Crisis
Urgently Find Sustainable, Rights-Respecting Strategy
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People with Disabilities Needed in Fight Against Climate Change
UN Releases First Report on Disability Rights in the Context of Climate Action
