Climate and youth activists light candles to call attention to the continuing threats to the environment and environmental defenders during a demonstration in Quezon City in the capital Manila on Dec. 11, 2020. (Photo by Jire Carreon)
Sep 15 2021
Greenpeace called for “urgent protection” for environmental defenders in the Philippines following the release of a report that tags the country as the deadliest in Asia for environmental activists.
“Companies and governments must be held accountable for the violence and persecution of land and environmental defenders,” said Lea Guerrero, Greenpeace Philippines country director.
She said the continued killings and persecution of environmental activists, even during the time of pandemic, shows “distorted priorities that put profit and the gain of a few over the welfare of communities and the environment.”
“Greenpeace believes that the work of environmental defenders is even more crucial now: we need to ensure a green, inclusive, and just recovery post COVID,” said Guerrero.
“We need to prevent government and businesses from pursuing misguided policies and projects that are destructive to the environment and climate,” she added.
The group also called for “urgent and effective protection mechanisms, and an enabling environment, for those who are peacefully defending people and the planet.”
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