“It’s troubling to see so many dead fish all year round. That’s why I want to ensure those responsible for contamination are held accountable. It’s not easy. I’ve been shot at. But despite the attacks and the threats, more women have joined our cause.”

These are the words of Yuly Velásquez, an inspiring defender of water and human rights in Colombia’s beautiful Magdalena River basin. Yuly and other community leaders literally risk their lives to protect land and water that is vital to all of us, given the climate crisis.

Colombia is one of the most dangerous countries in the world to do this work. Approximately every two days, a defender is assassinated.

In 2022, Colombians elected a reform government made up of many former human rights defenders. This government has a historic opportunity to ensure that land and water defenders can continue their important work without fear of violent reprisals.