"We are not terrorists. We are Ecuadorians. But we don't have peace of mind because we are threatened."

Latin America is the most dangerous region in the world to be a defender of human and land rights. According to a Global Witness report, in 2019 at least 212 defenders were killed for their work to defend their rights and lands worldwide, two-thirds of which occurred in Latin America.

In Ecuador, rights violations, threats, and attacks targeting human rights and land rights defenders are widespread and rising, exemplified by the recent killing of Andrés Durazno, who was working with his community to stop the Río Blanco mega-mine.

A new report reveals the intensifying dangers that these defenders face as part of their work to protect and defend their communities, autonomy, and identity, and it puts the spotlight on government and industry complicity to undermine this vital work.