Last year was the worst on record for the targeted killing of activists working to defend human rights around the world.
Irish-based human rights organisation Front Line Defenders said 321 activists were targeted and killed for their work last year – a rise of nine on 2017.
The figures are contained n the group’s Global Analysis 2018 report which is being launched in Dublin this morning.
The report warns that more than three-quarters (77%) of the activists killed were defending “land, environmental or indigenous peoples’ rights” – often against industry and state-aligned mega-projects.
Death threats
It finds that the murders were often preceded by judicial harassment, threats and physical attacks.
According to the report, at least 49% of those killed had received a specific death threat – and in 43% of cases there had been general threats made against activists in the area.
Front Line Defenders is warning that in the “vast majority” of cases, the activists did not receive the necessary protection and support from state authorities after receiving the threat.
Speaking ahead of the launch, the organisation’s head of protection, Ed O’Donovan said human rights norms are “being challenged all over the world.”
“It is more important than ever that governments that value human rights lend vocal, practical and financial support to the work of these peaceful activists who are fighting against a tide of xenophobia, racism, homophobia, misogyny and environmental degradation,” he said.
Sexualised attacks
The report also contains specific information about the threats faced by female human rights activists – warning that women face “gendered and sexualized attacks from both state and non-state actors, as well as from within their own human rights movements.”
It said the attacks include sexual assault, rape, militarised violence, smear campaigns and the harassment and targeting of children.
Front Line Defenders has dedicated the report to the human rights defenders around the world who “continue to face lethal threats from state, non-state, and corporate actors in their peaceful struggles for rights.”
