"Protecting those who work to defend the environment is a human rights issue," 5 Jun 2016

…As the international demand grows for the exploitation of natural resources in developing countries, so the threats to environmental defenders increase. Those who oppose development projects are often treated as enemies of the state and…are targeted for assassination…[T]he…new sustainable development goals...cannot be met if those on the frontline of sustainable development are not protected…[T]he UN human rights council adopted a landmark resolution requiring states to ensure the rights and safety of human rights defenders…That was a good initial step, but governments must do far more. They have obligations under human rights law to protect environmentalists’ rights of expression and association by responding rapidly and effectively to threats…from all parties including business and non-state actors…Multinational businesses should make clear in actions…that they will not undertake projects in countries where these basic protections are not accorded. If they fail to keep their commitments, they should be penalised…Protecting environmental defenders is not just the right thing to do. It is also the only way to ensure sustainable development…John H Knox is the special rapporteur on human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Michel Forst is the special rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. Victoria
Tauli-Corpuz is the special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples.