OHCHR Strengthens Regional Action to Protect Environmental Defenders in Latin America and the Caribbean

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Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis (11 April 2025) – From April 7–11, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) co-organized with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN Women, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the 3rd Forum on Human Rights Defenders in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean, under the Escazú Agreement, held in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.

This landmark event marked the first official regional gathering on the Escazú Agreement in the Caribbean, bringing together nearly 200 participants from 31 nationalities, including environmental human rights defenders, government representatives, civil society organizations, and international experts.

As a co-organizer, OHCHR reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of environmental defenders throughout the region. The Forum advanced the regional understanding and implementation of Article 9 of the Escazú Agreement, which focuses on the protection of environmental human rights defenders. The dynamic discussions led to a wide array of proposals for an upcoming regional assessment on the situation of environmental defenders—spotlighting significant progress while acknowledging ongoing challenges. A key highlight was the integration of a gender perspective, which resulted in clear, actionable recommendations for gender-responsive protection mechanisms.

Through workshops prepared and facilitated by OHCHR, participants also strengthened their knowledge and skills in access to justice and digital security, equipping defenders with practical tools to enhance their safety and impact.

The exchange of experiences and innovative ideas fostered stronger regional cooperation networks, laying a robust foundation for future action under the Escazú framework.

OHCHR’s leadership in this Forum—spearheaded by the Environment and Civic Space Teams from the LAC Regional Strategies Project (ROSA & ROCA) financed by Sweeden, in close coordination with its CARICOM and Mexico offices—was instrumental in achieving these outcomes. This effort reflects OHCHR’s continued dedication to supporting human rights defenders and building resilient civic spaces across Latin America and the Caribbean.

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