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At the end of 2025, we sat down with Escazú Ahora to discuss the Draft Bill on the Protection of Environmental Defenders (Bulletin 16.886-12), a novel public policy proposal for Chile that aligns with the principles of the Escazú Agreement.
We hope you enjoy the following interview, and that the information illustrates how the ratification of the Escazú Agreement and its subsequent adoption into national policies can be articulated.
What is Escazú Ahora?
Escazú Ahora was created in 2020 as a citizen campaign whose objective was Chile’s accession to the Escazú Agreement, the first environmental treaty in the region and the only one in the world that recognises and protects environmental defenders.
In the years that followed Escazú Ahora became a foundation, focusing its work on monitoring and promoting the full, effective and ambitious implementation of the Escazú Agreement in Chile. Since 2023, Escazú Ahora has been a pioneer in the systematic documentation of violence against environmental defenders in Chile through its research in the country.
What inspired the Law on the Protection of Environmental Defenders (Bulletin 16.886-12)?
In 2022, the Chilean State signed and ratified the Escazú Agreement. However, its implementation is still in its infancy, and this step has not eliminated the risks faced by environmental defenders in the country.
In Chile, defending the environment has become a high-risk activity. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, we have documented 82 attacks against environmental defenders in the country. In more than 90% of cases, there was no judicial response.
In this context, Chilean society saw the need to promote structural change, calling on the Chilean government to design a public policy that reflects its commitments to recognise, protect and strengthen the role of environmental defenders.
The law itself seeks to create a national operational mechanism to ensure compliance with the commitments made by the State and set out in the Participatory Implementation Plan of the Escazú Agreement. It is an essential and necessary law, as violence against environmental defenders is a reality that, in our experience, has become increasingly prevalent in the country.
Why is this law significant in the Latin American context?
The current situation for those who defend nature in Latin America is critical. According to Global Witness, at least 119 defenders were killed in the region in 2024.
Current regulatory frameworks are not up to the task. Structural responses from states are needed to address the root of the problem. At Escazú Ahora, we believe that this law can be a beacon of hope in the midst of a turbulent region, demonstrating that it is possible to work across the board on these issues based on evidence and with the active participation of organisations and communities.
This law is also important because Chile can demonstrate that there is consistency between its international commitments and national policies, reflecting the importance of the implementation process required by the Escazú Agreement.
Action led by Escazú Ahora during the 3rd COP of the Escazú Agreement, outside the CEPAL offices. Santiago de Chile, 22/04/2024. Photo by Escazú Ahora.
What does this law mean for environmental defenders in Chile?
This law represents a significant step forward for those who protect nature in Chile, as it not only recognises their important work, but also recognises them as subjects of protection, obliging the State to prevent attacks and protect them from threats and aggression.
In addition, the bill provides for the punishment of the intellectual and material authors of the attacks, including specific aggravating circumstances for crimes committed against environmental defenders. Likewise, and in a historic move, the bill provides for criminal liability for companies involved in such practices.
What are the next steps?
On 7 October, the bill was approved by the Chamber of Deputies and sent to the Senate for review. The text is now being studied by the Senate’s Human Rights Commission, which may amend the articles or approve the text as drafted by the deputies. In either case, the initiative must then be reviewed by all serving senators.
At Escazú Ahora, we will continue to closely monitor this process, providing relevant information and ensuring that all voices are heard. We want Chile to have a model law for the protection of environmental defenders, and for that, the participation of all actors in the discussion is essential.
How can the international community support this process?
We need attention and follow-up on this law. Chile now has a historic opportunity to advance the protection and prevention of violence faced by those who defend the environment.
In this context, the support and experience of international organisations dedicated to the promotion and defence of defenders are essential for sharing good practices and strengthening the institutional framework for protection that the country can build.
We firmly believe that coordinated efforts between Chilean civil society and the international community can not only enrich this process, but also raise awareness of a global issue that is becoming increasingly acute in Chile today.
Download here the approved text of the law (only in Spanish) via our Focus Observatory website.
