Activist Defence
The project works to ensure that there are arrangements in place to support activists with legal representation when they are arrested or sued in the course of their work in defending and protecting the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing.
The project participated in, and co-authored a joint report published by CER, groundWork, Earthjustice, and Human Rights Watch entitled “‘We Know Our Lives Are in Danger’: Environment of Fear in South Africa’s Mining-Affected Communities”. This report showed that community activists in mining areas face harassment, intimidation, and violence that have created an atmosphere of fear for community members who mobilise to raise concerns about damage to their livelihoods from the serious environmental and health risks of mining and coal-fired power plants.