After more than five years of investigation into murders, beatings, and intimidations of environmental defenders, United Nations special reporter John Knox is calling for the UN to formally recognize the right to a healthy environment. This, at a time when, “The world is deadlier than ever for land and environmental defenders, with agribusiness the industry most linked to killings.” Formally recognizing a healthy environment as a right, would help protect those defending against deforestation, land grabs, pollution, and poaching, and would also “significantly raise the prominence of the issue,” explained Knox.
