• DefiéndeMEsoamérica - that means for you:

    Practical support for defenders at risk, with a focus on the large forests of Mesoamerica. We are happy to help you!

  • We help you to get the right support!

    Together with our team of attorneys, we assist you in defending yourself.

    Please do not hesitate to contact us, whether it is to discuss a case or to clarify any questions.

  • Global emergency!

    In 2023, at least 196 environmental defenders were killed, with Latin America being the deadliest region. Violence against those who defend nature and human rights is reaching alarming levels (Global Witness).

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Are you in danger? Do you need help defending yourself?

Contact us!

DefiéndeMEsoamérica

Mesoamerican Initiative for the Integral Defense of Forest Defenders.

DefiéndeMEsoamérica is an initiative for the defense of environmental and territorial human rights defenders (PDDHAyT), implemented with the support of the European Union, as part of the Great Forests of Mesoamerica programme, whose objective is to support the communities that protect the Mesoamerican forests and the people who work to protect them. Recognizing that defenders and indigenous and local communities represent the last line of protection of forests, this regional initiative aims to strengthen and protect those who are active in the defense of territories with special attention to the great forests of Mesoamerica.

This includes:
 Risk mitigation – Reduction of the severity of damage and aggression – Effective access to justice

Our approach to support

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Comprehensive care

The main focus of DefiéndeMEsoamérica is the comprehensive attention of cases of human rights violations; that means the most complete care that can be provided to the PDDHAyT.

The measures range from prevention to legal, psychosocial and spiritual support to individuals, organizations, peoples and communities at risk.

In addition, with gender and intersectionality perspectives, the specific needs of women defenders are addressed, ensuring inclusive and adapted accompaniment. 

Prevention

Comprehensive prevention is based on three key lines of action:

  • Support networks, aimed at strengthening solidarity and providing assistance to those in need;
  • Training and education, which provide the necessary tools to face challenges and prevent risks;
  • Participation in decision-making processes, which promotes inclusion and collective empowerment to ensure effective and appropriate solutions to the needs of the community.
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Monitoring and analysis

Our initiative continuously observes and evaluates the situation in the region in order to respond quickly and effectively. The monitoring and analysis focuses on facilitating access to information through suitable channels, creating databases, and conducting assessments in countries and regions.

Eligibility criteria

The Initiative uses defined admissibility criteria for the comprehensive defense of cases or to refer them to another space or institution. These criteria include: theme, territoriality, temporality, urgency, resource availability and strategic perspective.

Thematic

The Initiative prioritizes cases of individuals, organizations or communities defending environmental and territorial human rights (PDDHAyT) – understood as those who exercise their civil and political rights to protect the environment and territories or defend economic, social, cultural or environmental rights – who are at risk due to the defense work they do.

Territoriality

The cases must be directly or indirectly linked to the forests of Mesoamerica, with emphasis on Trifinio, Selva Maya, La Moskitia, Indio Maíz-Tortuguero, La Amistad and El Darién.

Urgency

Priority is given to situations of risk to the life and integrity of defenders.

Temporality

It is necessary that these situations have occurred in the last 12 months prior to receiving the news of the case, except when serious human rights violations are presumed (forced disappearance, extrajudicial execution, arbitrary detention, torture, among others). 

Resources

Budget for human resources and other capacities that enable adequate defense.

Strategy

Advocacy for the case allows for the creation of alliances, influence, and/or structural, systemic, or state policy changes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Defenders, organizations and communities that are not at direct and imminent risk can also participate in the construction of prevention and security measures, access to key information and in the documentation of their experiences and good practices. In addition, their participation in support networks that strengthen their work is facilitated. Any community, town or organization that defends territories can join the processes of prevention and strengthening of security capacities. For any queries, requests or questions about these benefits or about the Initiative in general, you can contact us through the e-mail address below.

Report a case!
Info-circled Info-circled Contact: info@defiendemesoamerica.org

HOW TO CONTACT US AND REPORT A CASE

We are happy to help you – Whether to handle a case or to clarify doubts.

All data will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Initial contact

Send an email to → apoyo@defiendemesoamerica.org requesting to report a case.

Please do not include details of the case in this message, only provide your contact details.

apoyo@defiendemesoamerica.org
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Attention to cases Team responds

The Attention to cases Team will contact you directly to guide you through the next steps, including assessing the risk and vulnerability faced by the individuals or communities involved. 

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Filling out and sending the form

The team will guide you in the filling out and sending of Form A for access to the Emergency Fund.

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Data security

We are aware of the delicate situation you are in. Therefore, all information is treated as strictly confidential. The data is processed anonymously and secure communication channels are used.