PBI-Mexico concerned by 226 attacks against community defenders opposed to Interoceanic Corridor megaproject
Photo: PBI-Mexico was part of the Civilian Observation Mission (MCO) in July 2023 documenting concerns about this megaproject.
Economic & Social Rights
Human rights violations and environmental degradation are particularly pervasive in the context of large-scale extractive and infrastructure projects. Despite the existence of international standards and legislative codes meant to protect threatened individuals and communities, these rights are often the focus of conflict as powerful interests wish to exploit the natural resources found within and beneath traditional territories.
PBI-Geneva notes violence related to business investments, calls for a Binding Treaty at UN Human Rights Council
During the Interactive Dialogue on Transnational Corporations at the United Nations Human Rights Council session on June 6 in Geneva, Switzerland, Peace Brigades International expressed “its concerns about violence in business investment contexts in Honduras, Guatemala and Colombia.”
PBI-Mexico accompanied Espacio OSC denounces Civil Force violence and water takings by Carroll Farms pig farms
Photo: The Civil Force in Veracruz.
PBI-Colombia accompanies the Peace Community touring villages of Mulatos, Resbalosa and Calzón Rojo
PBI-Colombia has posted:
“We accompanied the Peace Community @sanjoapartado, touring the villages of Mulatos, Resbalosa and Calzón Rojo in #Urabá.
Their community work strengthens the defense of the territory from food sovereignty. We recognize this political project, which persists in search of peace and respect for life. #WeArePBI”
Civil society orgs worldwide release new supplement to UN Declaration protecting human rights defenders
Following a year-long project involving consultations with human rights defenders, Peace Brigades International joined a coalition of human rights organizations to release the Declaration +25, a landmark document systematizing relevant developments in regional and international human rights law and standards of the last 25 years.
PBI: Connecting Threatened Defenders With High-Level Officials
Christopher Castillo, General Coordinator of ARCAH, is leading the movement in Honduras against so-called Zones for Employment and Economic Development (ZEDEs). These zones, which operate as independent territories, not subject to Honduran law, threaten to envelop vast swathes of Honduras; up to 35 percent of the country could be made into such zones.
PBI-Honduras observes COPINH sit-in following conviction of three in the ‘Fraud on Gualcarque’ case
PBI-Honduras has posted: “The Corruption Sentencing Court has just convicted 3 of the 6 former public officials accused in the ‘Fraud on Gualcarque’ case. We are observing the @COPINHHONDURAS [Civic Council of Grassroots and Indigenous Organizations in Honduras] sit-in, which requested a conviction for the 6 accused people.”
PBI webinar with environmental defenders on frontline struggles and the failure of COP27
On November 15, Peace Brigades International brought together environmental human rights defenders from Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Kenya, along with United Nations Special Rapporteur Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, to share insights on frontline struggles and the COP27 summit. To watch the video of the webinar (with original audio), click here.