In a positive step for human rights and the Amazon, Colombia’s Congress just ratified the Escazú Agreement on Monday. The Escazú Agreement, an international accord spanning Latin American and Caribbean nations, obliges governments to protect environmental defenders and stipulates communities be consulted and participate in decisions like mega projects affecting their lands, waters, and livelihoods, as well as seek justice in the courts. At least 33 land and environmental defenders were killed in Colombia in 2021 alone, and it’s one of the world’s deadliest places for environmental activists, according to the latest report by group Global Witness. 25 countries (of 33 possible in total) are now party to the accord. Now it must be implemented — and earth defenders’ rights protected, in practice. #EscazuAgreement #HumanRights #Amazonia #Amazon #Rainforest #Environmental #Defenders