land rights now

In 2015 we celebrated world leaders’ recognition of the foundational and strategic role that sustainable land management must play to advance biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

In 2015 we celebrated world leaders’ recognition of the foundational and strategic role that secure land rights for all –women and men, regardless of ethnicity, religion, place of residence, or civil, economic, social, or political status—must play to achieve a world free of poverty, hunger and systemic gender discrimination.

“This is very troubling news, but sadly it’s part of a dangerous trend. All over the world we’re seeing a new rush for land, often with deadly consequences for local rights defenders," said Rashmi Mistry, head of Oxfam's GROW campaign.

Latin American countries have failed to govern their lands fairly and are now so deep in thrall to rich elites and big business that the future of sustainable and inclusive development of much of the continent hangs in the balance.

For 40 years, the Quechua communities in Peru have lived with contaminated rivers, and poor health as a result of oil drilling. Teddy Guerra is leading the effort to obtain integral land rights for his community before any more concessions are given to oil companies. Read his story and sign the petition.

Millions of people face being displaced from their homes as new data shows land sales covering an area the size of Germany are now under contract, warns Oxfam.

Farmers and fisherfolk have been forced off their land in Sri Lanka to make way for luxury hotels. Since Rathnamali, her family and other members of her community were evicted from their land six years ago, they have faced hardship and poverty. Read her story and take action.

Lesbia is the third Honduran activist killed in less than six months. Honduran authorities need to end impunity, end the killings of women, and to guarantee the safety of all human rights defenders.