Environmental Defenders & Extractive Industries
Editorial Team · on 18 July 2026 · 16 min read · Last reviewed 18 July 2026
Colombia’s environmental defenders and international support
International support plays a crucial role in protecting environmental defenders in Colombia by providing legal, financial, and political backing to activists at risk.
In plain terms: Think of international support as a safety net for environmental defenders, much like a lifeguard watching over swimmers in the ocean, ready to intervene if someone is in distress.
Key facts
- International organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS) have issued statements and reports calling for stronger protections for environmental defenders in Colombia.
- Foreign governments, including those of the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands, have funded programs to support environmental defenders and promote human rights in Colombia.
- International NGOs, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have documented human rights violations against environmental defenders and advocated for their protection.
- According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), international cooperation is essential for addressing the root causes of environmental degradation and protecting defenders.
International organizations and environmental defenders
International organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS) have played a significant role in advocating for the protection of environmental defenders in Colombia.
The United Nations has issued numerous statements and reports highlighting the dangers faced by environmental defenders and calling for stronger legal protections. For instance, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders has documented cases of threats, violence, and assassinations against defenders in Colombia and urged the government to take immediate action to protect them.
The Organization of American States (OAS) has also been involved in promoting human rights and environmental protection in Colombia. The OAS’s Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has issued precautionary measures to protect environmental defenders at risk, providing a crucial layer of international support.
For example, the IACHR has granted precautionary measures to protect indigenous leaders in the Colombian Amazon, recognizing the severe risks they face due to their environmental advocacy. These measures have helped to raise international awareness and pressure the Colombian government to take action.
Foreign governments and environmental defenders
Foreign governments have provided financial and political support to environmental defenders in Colombia, funding programs that promote human rights and environmental protection.
The United States, through its Agency for International Development (USAID), has supported initiatives that strengthen the capacity of environmental defenders and promote sustainable development in Colombia. For instance, USAID’s Strengthening Indigenous and Afro-Colombian Women’s Participation in Environmental Governance program has provided training and resources to indigenous women activists working to protect their ancestral lands.
The German government, through its Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has funded projects that support environmental defenders and promote sustainable natural resource management in Colombia. For example, the ProtectDefenders.eu program, co-funded by the European Union and several European countries, including Germany, provides emergency support, legal assistance, and capacity-building to human rights defenders at risk, including environmental activists.
The Dutch government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has supported initiatives that promote human rights and environmental protection in Colombia. For instance, the Protection Facility for Human Rights Defenders, funded by the Dutch government, provides emergency support and long-term protection to human rights defenders, including environmental activists, who are at risk.
International NGOs and environmental defenders
International NGOs, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have documented human rights violations against environmental defenders in Colombia and advocated for their protection.
Amnesty International has conducted extensive research on the threats and violence faced by environmental defenders in Colombia, publishing reports that highlight the urgent need for protection. For instance, Amnesty International’s Colombia: Defenders of the Earth report documents the killings of environmental activists and calls for immediate action to protect them.
Human Rights Watch has also been actively involved in advocating for the protection of environmental defenders in Colombia. The organization has published reports and statements calling on the Colombian government to investigate and prosecute those responsible for human rights violations against defenders. For example, Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2021 highlights the ongoing threats and violence faced by environmental activists in Colombia and urges the government to take concrete steps to ensure their safety.
Support programs and initiatives
Several support programs and initiatives have been established to provide practical assistance to environmental defenders in Colombia, including legal support, security measures, and capacity-building.
Colombia’s government established the Protection Mechanism for Human Rights Defenders and Journalists, which offers security measures and legal support to those at risk. However, critics argue that the mechanism is often slow to respond and lacks sufficient resources to address the growing threats faced by defenders.
Amazon Watch has partnered with indigenous communities in the Colombian Amazon to document human rights abuses and advocate for policy changes. The organization provides legal and financial support to indigenous leaders who are at risk due to their environmental advocacy. For instance, Amazon Watch has supported the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon Basin (COICA) in its efforts to protect the Amazon rainforest and the rights of indigenous communities.
Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) offers legal support and capacity-building to environmental defenders in Colombia and other high-risk nations. The organization offers training and resources to help defenders navigate complex legal frameworks and advocate for their rights. For example, ELAW has supported environmental activists in Colombia in their efforts to challenge illegal mining and logging operations through legal action.
International legal frameworks
International legal frameworks, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169, provide a basis for protecting the rights of environmental defenders in Colombia.
Acknowledging indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination and development, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was established. The declaration also stresses safeguarding their rights to traditional lands and resources, frequently central to environmental conflicts in Colombia.
Indigenous and tribal peoples’ rights, including their right to participate in decisions affecting their lives and territories, are detailed in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169. It stresses consulting indigenous peoples and securing their free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) before initiating projects that could affect their rights. This principle is vital for safeguarding environmental defenders who champion indigenous rights in Colombia.
For example, the ILO Convention 169 has been invoked in legal cases involving environmental conflicts in Colombia, such as the case of the U’wa people’s opposition to oil exploration on their ancestral lands. The convention provides a legal basis for challenging projects that threaten indigenous rights and the environment.
International pressure and advocacy
Pressure and advocacy from around the world play a crucial role in promoting the protection of environmental defenders in Colombia by raising awareness and holding governments and corporations accountable.
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has been actively involved in addressing human rights violations against environmental defenders in Colombia. The UNHRC has issued statements and resolutions calling on the Colombian government to take immediate action to protect defenders and investigate human rights abuses. For instance, the UNHRC’s Resolution 42/2019 on the situation of human rights defenders highlights the urgent need for protection and calls on governments to ensure a safe and enabling environment for defenders to carry out their work.
International advocacy campaigns, such as the #DefendDefenders campaign led by the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), have raised awareness about the threats faced by environmental defenders in Colombia and called for stronger protections. The campaign has mobilized support from civil society, governments, and international organizations to advocate for the rights of defenders.
ISHR has also been actively involved in promoting the protection of environmental defenders in Colombia through its Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Program. The program provides training, resources, and advocacy support to defenders, helping them to navigate international human rights mechanisms and advocate for their rights. For example, ISHR has supported Colombian environmental activists in their efforts to engage with the UN Human Rights Council and other international bodies to raise awareness about the threats they face.
Supporting environmental defenders in Colombia through education
Put simply: Education is like a shield for environmental defenders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves and their communities, much like a knight’s armor in battle.
Key facts
- Educational programs, such as workshops, training sessions, and online courses, provide environmental defenders in Colombia with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate legal frameworks and advocate for their rights.
- According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), education and capacity-building are essential for empowering environmental defenders and promoting sustainable development.
- Organizations such as the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) and the Amazon Watch offer educational resources and training to environmental defenders in Colombia.
- International NGOs, such as Front Line Defenders, provide security training and capacity-building to help defenders protect themselves and their communities.
Educational programs for environmental defenders
Educational programs play a crucial role in empowering environmental defenders in Colombia by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate legal frameworks, advocate for their rights, and protect their communities.
Educational resources and training are provided by the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) to environmental defenders in Colombia and other high-risk countries. The organization provides online courses, workshops, and webinars that cover topics such as environmental law, human rights, and advocacy strategies. For instance, ELAW’s Environmental Law Course offers practical tools and resources to help defenders navigate complex legal frameworks and advocate for their rights.
Amazon Watch offers training and resources to indigenous communities in the Colombian Amazon, assisting them in documenting human rights abuses and advocating for policy changes. The organization offers workshops and training sessions on topics such as environmental monitoring, legal advocacy, and community organizing. For example, Amazon Watch’s Indigenous Environmental Defenders Training Program provides indigenous leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to protect their ancestral lands and natural resources.
Security training for environmental defenders
Security training is essential for helping environmental defenders in Colombia protect themselves and their communities from threats and violence.
Front Line Defenders, an international NGO that supports human rights defenders at risk, provides security training and capacity-building to environmental activists in Colombia. The organization offers workshops and training sessions on topics such as digital security, physical security, and risk assessment. For instance, Front Line Defenders’ Security Training Program provides defenders with practical tools and strategies to help them protect themselves and their communities from threats.
Funded by the Dutch government, the Protection Facility for Human Rights Defenders also offers security training and capacity-building to environmental defenders in Colombia. The facility offers training sessions on topics such as emergency response, legal protection, and advocacy strategies. For example, the facility’s Emergency Support Program provides defenders with immediate assistance and long-term protection to help them navigate security risks and continue their work.
Capacity-building initiatives
Capacity-building initiatives aim to strengthen the skills and knowledge of environmental defenders in Colombia, helping them to become more effective advocates for their rights and the environment.
UNEP supports capacity-building initiatives that empower environmental defenders and promote sustainable development. The organization provides resources and training to help defenders navigate legal frameworks, advocate for their rights, and protect their communities. For instance, UNEP’s Environmental Rule of Law Program offers training and resources to help defenders understand and apply environmental laws and regulations.
The Inter-American Institute for Human Rights (IIHR) also supports capacity-building initiatives that strengthen the skills and knowledge of environmental defenders in Colombia. The institute offers training sessions, workshops, and online courses on topics such as human rights, environmental law, and advocacy strategies. For example, the IIHR’s Human Rights and the Environment Program provides defenders with the tools and resources they need to advocate for their rights and the environment.
Supporting environmental defenders through advocacy
Advocacy plays a crucial role in promoting the protection of environmental defenders in Colombia by raising awareness, mobilizing support, and holding governments and corporations accountable.
ISHR supports environmental defenders in Colombia through its advocacy programs, which aim to raise awareness about the threats they face and mobilize support for their protection. The organization provides resources and training to help defenders engage with international human rights mechanisms and advocate for their rights. For instance, ISHR’s Human Rights Defenders Advocacy Program offers practical tools and strategies to help defenders navigate international human rights frameworks and advocate for their rights.
Global Witness organization also supports environmental defenders in Colombia through its advocacy campaigns, which aim to raise awareness about the threats they face and promote stronger protections. The organization publishes reports and statements that highlight the dangers faced by defenders and call for immediate action to protect them. For example, Global Witness’s Annual Report on Environmental Defenders documents the killings and threats faced by activists worldwide and calls on governments to take concrete steps to ensure their safety.
Building solidarity networks
Building solidarity networks is essential for supporting environmental defenders in Colombia by providing them with a platform to share experiences, resources, and strategies.
Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) promotes the establishment of solidarity networks linking environmental defenders in Colombia with global activists, legal experts, and policymakers. The organization provides resources and training to help defenders build alliances, share knowledge, and advocate for their rights. For instance, ELAW’s Global Network of Environmental Lawyers connects defenders with legal experts who can provide support and guidance on complex environmental cases.
Amazon Watch also supports the creation of solidarity networks that connect indigenous communities in the Colombian Amazon with activists, legal experts, and policymakers worldwide. The organization provides resources and training to help defenders build alliances, share knowledge, and advocate for their rights. For example, Amazon Watch’s Indigenous Peoples’ Solidarity Network connects defenders with international organizations that can provide support and advocacy for their causes.
Promoting international cooperation
Promoting international cooperation is crucial for supporting environmental defenders in Colombia by providing them with a platform to engage with international human rights mechanisms and advocate for their rights.
International cooperation efforts aimed at protecting environmental defenders in Colombia receive backing from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The council provides a platform for defenders to engage with international human rights mechanisms and advocate for their rights. For instance, the UNHRC’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process allows defenders to submit reports and testimonies that highlight human rights violations and call for stronger protections.
International cooperation efforts aimed at protecting environmental defenders in Colombia also receive support from the Organization of American States (OAS). The OAS’s Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) provides a platform for defenders to engage with international human rights mechanisms and advocate for their rights. For example, the IACHR’s Precautionary Measures process allows defenders to request immediate protection from threats and violence.
Supporting environmental defenders through legal action
Legal action is a powerful tool for supporting environmental defenders in Colombia by holding governments and corporations accountable for human rights violations and promoting justice.
ELAW provides legal support to environmental defenders in Colombia, offering resources and training to help them navigate complex legal frameworks and advocate for their rights. The organization offers legal assistance and representation to defenders who are facing threats, harassment, or legal action. For instance, ELAW’s Legal Assistance Program provides defenders with access to legal experts who can help them challenge environmental crimes and promote justice.
Amazon Watch organization also supports environmental defenders in Colombia through legal action, providing them with resources and training to navigate complex legal frameworks and advocate for their rights. The organization offers legal assistance and representation to defenders who are facing threats, harassment, or legal action. For example, Amazon Watch’s Legal Defense Fund provides defenders with financial support and legal representation to help them challenge environmental crimes and promote justice.
Supporting environmental defenders through media and communication
Media and communication play a crucial role in supporting environmental defenders in Colombia by raising awareness, mobilizing support, and holding governments and corporations accountable.
ISHR supports environmental defenders in Colombia through media and communication campaigns, aiming to raise awareness about the threats they face and mobilize support for their protection. The organization provides resources and training to help defenders engage with media outlets and advocate for their rights. For instance, ISHR’s Media and Advocacy Program offers practical tools and strategies to help defenders navigate media landscapes and advocate for their rights.
Global Witness assists environmental defenders in Colombia through media and communication campaigns. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about the threats they face and promote stronger protections. The organization publishes reports and statements that highlight the dangers faced by defenders and call for immediate action to protect them. For example, Global Witness’s Annual Report on Environmental Defenders documents the killings and threats faced by activists worldwide and calls on governments to take concrete steps to ensure their safety.
Supporting environmental defenders through policy advocacy
Policy advocacy is essential for supporting environmental defenders in Colombia by promoting stronger legal protections and holding governments and corporations accountable.
ELAW assists environmental defenders in Colombia by advocating for policy changes and offering resources and training to help them understand intricate legal systems and assert their rights. The organization offers policy advocacy tools and strategies to help defenders engage with policymakers and promote stronger legal protections. For instance, ELAW’s Policy Advocacy Program provides defenders with access to policy experts who can help them develop and advocate for policy proposals that promote environmental justice and human rights.
Amazon Watch organization also supports environmental defenders in Colombia through policy advocacy, providing them with resources and training to navigate complex legal frameworks and advocate for their rights. The organization offers policy advocacy tools and strategies to help defenders engage with policymakers and promote stronger legal protections. For example, Amazon Watch’s Policy Advocacy Program provides defenders with access to policy experts who can help them develop and advocate for policy proposals that promote environmental justice and human rights.
Supporting environmental defenders through financial support
Financial support is crucial for helping environmental defenders in Colombia continue their work and protect their communities from threats and violence.
A Dutch government-funded initiative, the Protection Facility for Human Rights Defenders, offers financial aid to at-risk environmental advocates in Colombia. The facility offers emergency grants, long-term funding, and capacity-building support to help defenders navigate security risks and continue their work. For instance, the facility’s Emergency Support Program provides defenders with immediate financial assistance to help them address urgent security needs.
Front Line Defenders organization also offers financial assistance to environmental defenders in Colombia facing risks. The organization offers emergency grants, long-term funding, and capacity-building support to help defenders navigate security risks and continue their work. For example, Front Line Defenders’ Emergency Fund provides defenders with immediate financial assistance to help them address urgent security needs.
Supporting environmental defenders through technology
Technology plays a crucial role in supporting environmental defenders in Colombia by providing them with tools to document human rights abuses, advocate for their rights, and protect their communities.
DDP, or the Digital Defenders Partnership, offers digital security training and resources to environmental defenders in Colombia. The partnership offers workshops, webinars, and online courses on topics such as digital security, encryption, and secure communication. For instance, the DDP’s Digital Security Training Program provides defenders with practical tools and strategies to help them protect their digital information and communicate securely.
Activists, community leaders, and indigenous people in Colombia who risk their lives to protect natural resources from illegal mining, logging, and agribusiness are known as Environmental Defenders. Their work often puts them in direct conflict with armed groups and corporations, making them prime targets for violence and threats.
What specific risks do these defenders face?
Defenders face extreme risks, including assassination, forced displacement, and arbitrary detention. For example, Global Witness reports that Colombia is one of the most dangerous countries for environmental activists, with hundreds killed over the past decade. Indigenous leaders, in particular, are frequently targeted for their opposition to destructive industrial projects.
How do international organizations support these defenders?
International organizations provide legal aid, advocacy, and financial support to defenders. Groups like Amnesty International and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) have issued protective measures for at-risk defenders. Additionally, some organizations offer training in digital security and non-violent resistance to help defenders protect themselves.
What role do indigenous communities play in environmental defense?
Indigenous communities are often at the forefront of environmental defense, using traditional knowledge to protect ecosystems. Their land rights are frequently violated by corporations and armed groups seeking to exploit natural resources. Indigenous leaders, such as those from the Nasa people in Cauca, have organized protests and legal actions to defend their territories.