This 2021, we will be holding the Second #EnvironmentalDefenders Congress with the theme “We are Stronger if we #DefendTogether!”, highlighting the challenges of strengthening the shared struggles and collective capacities of Filipino #EnvironmentalDefenders across the archipelago in the face of shrinking civic spaces and worsening attacks.
Last September 13, Global Witness published their latest report on killings of land #EnvironmentalDefenders —and the Philippines was featured once again as a global hotspot especially in Asia. This year’s congress will be held as we approach the commemoration of International Human Rights Day this December 10 2021, to highlight the on-going attacks against #EnvironmentalDefenders nationwide.
We will also be forwarding a signature campaign entitled Tanggulang Luntian, which manifests the following objectives of congress:
- Uphold and defend the human rights of #EnvironmentalDefenders
- Scrutinize the environmental track record of all candidates, including pronouncements
- Campaign and vote for candidates who will uphold and protect the environment, including support the calls to end extractivism and other environmentally destructive projects in the country
