The Environmental Law Institute

Since 2012, at least 2,106 people have been killed for trying to protect their land or natural resources. Of the attacks that occurred in 2023, 85% took place in Latin America; the majority in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Honduras. In most cases where environmental defenders are killed, no one is arrested and very few are […]

Since 2012, at least 2,106 people have been killed for trying to protect their land or natural resources. Of the attacks that occurred in 2023, 85% took place in Latin America; the majority in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Honduras. In most cases where environmental defenders are killed, no one is arrested and very few are prosecuted. This receives very limited attention and there is a lack of evidence on effective ways to ensure that the attacks are investigated and lead to prosecution. Several actors have therefore expressed a need for a compilation where all available information is gathered along with lessons learned. 

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) aims to strengthen accountability for attacks on environmental defenders and thereby enhance their protection by creating a platform with investigations and prosecutions that highlight effective approaches and put pressure on governments and authorities to act. 

The project is supported with SEK 2 990 000