On 31 January 2024, U.S. Senators introduced the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act of 2024, legislation that enhances the United States’ ability to protect individuals abroad who are attacked for peacefully defending human rights and democracy. The legislation promises to bolster the U.S. Government’s capacity to support human rights defenders in their efforts, including by establishing an interagency framework for doing so that will live beyond any one administration.

EarthRights International Senior Policy Advisor Kirk Herbertson stated, "Attacks on human rights defenders, particularly those who speak out against extractive industries such as logging and mining, have increased in recent years. Some 401 human rights defenders were killed in 2022 compared to 358 in 2021." He also said, "As attacks against human rights defenders grow in number and sophistication, the United States needs to adopt a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to supporting defenders who risk their safety and lives to defend democracy, human rights, and the environment."