Who is responsible for the killings of environmentalists?
The report says private companies have perpetrated most of the violence. But governments are also involved. Much of the violence has happened because people are angry about infrastructure construction, deforestation and mining work being done by private companies and the government has given these companies permission. Companies should study the impact on the environment before starting work. They should also talk to people about how the project will affect their lives. But in many places around the world, companies and governments have failed to follow these rules and are trying to evade them.
Shruti suresh (interim), Co-Director of Global Witness, said, "For too long, those responsible for deadly attacks against environmental defenders have gotten away with murder. Violence, intimidation and harassment are also being used to silence defenders around the world. Despite being threatened by irresponsible corporate and government actions, this global movement of people continues with determination. They cannot be silenced."
How are the US, UK and europe suppressing environmental defenders?
The US, UK and europe are making strict laws against environmental defenders. Although people are not killed in these countries, they are harassing environmental defenders. More than 20 states in the US have made laws that prevent protesters from blocking roads, power plants and pipelines. Protesters can be fined heavily and can also be sent to jail for many years. Similar laws have been made in europe as well. The UK's Public Order Act is one such law. This law gives the police the right to stop protesters. If protesters make too much noise or obstruct traffic, the police can stop them strictly. The report says that because of all this, environmental protectors are being treated as criminals. In Germany, officials raided people's homes before protests could take place and activists were jailed. Many media organizations and government agencies also abuse the protesters.
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