ABSTRACT
Competition for access to natural resources is intensifying against a backdrop of extreme global inequality, while humanity has already crossed several vital planetary environmental boundaries. Many of those facing threats are ordinary people opposing land grabs, mining operations and the industrial timber trade, often forced from their homes and severely threatened by environmental devastation. The rights of environmental and land defenders must be recognized and respected; they should be able to carry out their work without fear of killing, persecution, intimidation or threats to their lives, families or colleagues. Implement and respect all provisions set out in the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders; with special attention to a state's duty and responsibility to protect, promote and implement all human rights including the right to a safe and healthy environment. Implement due diligence checks on supply chains to ensure that their purchasing policies are not linked to companies whose operations cause social and environmental damage.
