In a recently published report, international human rights and law firm Global Rights Compliance (GRC) highlighted the state-backed oppression of indigenous people, climate activists and human rights defenders fighting to save the Philippines environment from degradation. ‘Retaliation to Remedy’, which was released by The Communication Group plc on behalf of GRC’s Business and Human Rights team, presents a strategy to better protect oppressed groups protesting the powers of multinational mining and agribusiness.
Several shocking case studies presented in GRC’s report reveal rife collusion between the Filipino state and multinational business to crush resistance to raw materials extraction. Between 2012 and 2021, 270 human rights defenders were killed in the Philippines, making it the deadliest nation for human rights activists in Asia. The report exposes the lack of regard for human life shown by both the Filipino state and mining businesses and raises wider issues concerning the exploitation of ancestral lands, the erosion of traditional Filipino culture and the irreparable destruction of the natural environment.
This report, which outlines orchestrated attacks by corporations in the race to extract raw materials, makes it clear that state-backed violations show no signs of ceasing and calls for international attention and action. The Communication Group supported the release of GRC’s report by preparing, selling-in and distributing a dedicated press release, securing coverage in The Telegraph and the BBC World Service.
