Targeting defenders is an attempt to silence communities that resist. Normally communities are resisting a particular corporate or economic interest trying to gain control of territory because of resources. This set-up is part of a very well defined economic model: neoliberalism. The growth and expansion of which has led to struggles like we see in Chile and Lebanon this week.
We have to think about where are the drivers and the hubs of the neo-liberal power. UK bears a unique and historic responsibility in creating this. The biggest powers for example oil are registered in the London Stock Exchange – and exist in benign places such as pensions, banks and shops. The government lobbies in support of these corporations.
As people in this context we have to think about the role we play. How do we support the communities that corporations are oppressing. Hollow terms like "Corporate Social Responsibility" mean companies have developed well rehearsed and well funded narratives to justify their presence in places where they create suffering. Justifications include “development”, “prosperity” and jobs for underdeveloped places.
In Colombia, the government denied any systematic strategy behind the killing of 700 social leaders while communities have documented the systematic attacks planned by corporations, or smear campaigns, and finance to paramilitaries. In the meantime corporations hide behind complex structures to avoid liability and evade tax.
The UN and UK government define human rights defenders as those who need to be protected, an icon of virtue. There are many schemes and mechanisms to protect defenders, but these then to single out individuals without supporting their communities or causes. These individuals embody a community and when these individuals come to harm the state doesn't silence individuals, they silence struggles.