“The situation of human rights defenders working on issues of business and human rights”, Aug 15

…[H]uman rights defenders working on violations in the context of business operations are one of the most at-risk…In Guatemala the majority of defenders in this category are working on issues of land, territorial and environmental rights, although trade unionists demanding labour rights face similar threats…Human rights defenders working on business and human rights face frequent public stigmatization by both State and non-State actors, including the media and business representatives… Many criminal proceedings are launched by private companies related to the mining and hydroelectric sectors, accusing defenders of crimes such as terrorism, usurpation of land, kidnappings and others…

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre previously invited:

Hidro Santa Cruz to respond to concerns related to the dam construction; the response is available here. 

Kappes, Cassiday & Associates to concernes related to the mine and protests; the response is available here.