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LOCAL TIME
Timezone: Europe/Madrid
Date: Nov 12 2025
Time: 15:30 - 16:30
The situation of environmental human rights defenders is alarming on a global scale. In 2024, at least 146 defenders were killed or disappeared, with over 80% of the cases occurring in Latin America, according to Global Witness. Colombia led this tragic statistic with 48 deaths, followed by Guatemala with 20. Additionally, killings were reported in the Philippines, Honduras, and Indonesia, highlighting the magnitude of the problem across different regions of the world.
Objectives
Raise awareness of the situation of environmental human rights defenders globally, including statistics on killings, disappearances, and criminalization of their work, emphasizing the specific risks faced by women defenders.
Highlight the importance of initiatives such as LEAD (Global Network for Environmental Activists and Defenders.
Highlight the role of international agreements and legal frameworks, such as the Escazú Agreement, the Aarhus Convention, and other initiatives that strengthen the safety and rights of environmental defenders.
Emphasize the importance of cooperation between governments, civil society, and the private sector, showcasing best practices for protecting defenders and strategies to reduce risks, with particular attention to women.
Raise awareness of the need for public policies and concrete actions that ensure safe environments for environmental defenders, with a gender perspective and recognition of the role of women in environmental protection.
Moderator
Carlos de Miguel. Chief Sustainable Development and Human Settlements Division / CEPAL
Speakers
Michelle Bachelet. President of Chile (2006-2010) y (2014-2018) and Vice President of Club de Madrid
Macaé Evaristo. Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship / Brazil.
Michel Forst. Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders under the Aarhus Convention.
Jiten Yumnam. Secretary, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur / India.
Joara Marchezini. Representative elected by the public under the Escazú agreement.
