DEFENDING DEFENDERS
By: C-Help Team
Defending Defenders is a flagship initiative of C-Help dedicated to protecting Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) across the Philippines. At a time when environmental advocacy is increasingly met with legal harassment and threats, the project provides critical legal support to ensure that defenders can continue their work safely, effectively, and without intimidation.
The initiative focuses on combating Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP)—a tactic often used to silence activists and grassroots communities. Through comprehensive legal assistance, Defending Defenders equips EHRDs with tools such as Legal Risks Assessment and Management (LRAM), direct legal aid, and strategic representation in both SLAPP and SLAPP-back cases. These mechanisms empower defenders to confront legal challenges head-on while safeguarding their rights and security.
C-Help has played a vital role in defending frontline communities, including successful representation in cases opposing forced evictions and environmentally harmful developments. In early 2025, multiple SLAPP cases involving grassroots defenders were dismissed, marking significant victories not only for those directly involved but also for the broader movement for environmental justice.
Beyond legal defense, the project advances knowledge-sharing through the development of the Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRD) Guide. This resource provides accessible information on legal rights, security practices, risk assessment tools, and available remedies, while fostering solidarity and collective action among communities.
Through these efforts, Defending Defenders strengthens the capacity and resilience of environmental advocates. It helps counter the chilling effect of legal harassment, encourages communities to stand firm in their advocacy, and contributes to a growing movement that challenges the criminalization of activism.
Ultimately, the project reinforces a powerful message: defending the environment is not a crime—it is a right.
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