Human Rights

The recent high-profile killing of Berta Cáceres, a grassroots indigenous activist who successfully led opposition to the Agua Zarca Dam in Honduras, was tragic and deplorable. It was also emblematic of the increased and deadly threats faced by environmental defenders around the world. Since Berta's murder, the tragedies have continued to mount. International Rivers is deeply concerned by the murders of our close friends and partners, and by the very real and ongoing threats faced by those we work with on a daily basis. We welcome the important and timely initiative by the United Nations Spec

The stories come to us one at a time. A woman’s body found in a trash heap. Two protesters shot during a demonstration. A man who just stepped out for milk gunned down by masked assailants on a motorcycle. These are not just stories, however. They are people who hail from communities where the struggle for natural resources is taking a bloody and desperate turn. These people are environmental defenders, and they are our colleagues, our collaborators, our friends. And the message is clear: In many countries, if you dare to stand up to dam builders, loggers and mining companies, you and your f

The Munduruku, Apiaká, Kayabi and Rikbaktsa release joint statement as Brazil steps ups efforts to exploit power of the rivers Members of the Munduruku indigenous tribe dance along the Tapajós river during a ‘Caravan of Resistance’ protest in November. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images Four Amazonian tribes have joined forces to oppose the construction of hydroelectric dams in their territory as the Brazilian government ramps up efforts to exploit the power of rivers in the world’s biggest forest. The Munduruku, Apiaká, Kayabi and Rikbaktsa released a joint statement on T

Kober prison (Radio Dabanga) On September 23, 2014, Sudanese security forces detained Mr. Rashid Sheikh Eldin Abash, a peaceful Nubian activist who is fighting the destructive Kajbar and Dal dams on the Nile. Rashid Abash has been held in Kober prison without charges and without access to a lawyer or doctor ever since. According to witnesses, he has been repeatedly tortured. Rashid Abash's detention is the latest case in a long series of human rights abuses against dam fighters in Sudan. On November 20, 2014, International Rivers letter sent the attached letter to Sudan's Minister of Justice,