Without Human Rights we are Invisible

Globally two people are killed every week defending their rights to land or access to water supply.

Environmental defenders are being killed in record numbers globally, with over 160 environmental activists having been killed so far this year.

Our executive Director, Éamonn Meehan said:

“Two billion people globally, often marginalised communities, depend on natural resources to survive but they are vulnerable to exploitation and intimidation by multinationals and political powers.

“We need to protect people who are risking their lives for their rights. Trócaire works with many human rights defenders in places like Honduras, Guatemala and Zimbabwe where their lives are threatened daily. Women are particularly vulnerable to threats of violence.

“The environment is the new battleground for human rights, and disputes over land form the backdrop to almost all the killings.

“In the Aguán valley in Honduras, energy and extractives companies are driving people off their lands. Those brave enough to stand up for the rights of these communities become targets themselves. Berta Cáceres, a human rights activist working in the Aguán valley, was assassinated in her home on 3 March 2016.

“Also in Honduras, with support from Trócaire, Consuelo Soto has been involved in the struggle to secure her community’s land rights since 2002. She has paid dearly. In 2015, her husband was murdered and her life is under constant threat.

Last year Trócaire’s human rights work supported over 780,000 people, many of whom are living in fear for their lives.

Trócaire has worked tirelessly for over 40 years protecting human rights. We are asking the public to support that work this Christmas.