In the department of Antioquia, in northern Colombia, the Hidroituango dam is severely threatening territory where thousands of families live. Floods, landslides, deforestation, pollution, and mass fish kill are only some examples of the negative environmental impact of the project, currently under construction along the river Cauca, the second most important river in Colombia. However, due to the risks posed by the project, it has been suspended by the Environmental Authority for nearly two years.
In November 2015, at the Eighth Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders, Front Line Defenders (FLD) asked human rights defenders (HRDs) from across Asia, Africa, Americas, Europe and the Middle East/North Africa to share experiences of living under digital surveillance and the perceived impact this has on their work and lives.
Dispatches 2019 presents the work Front Line Defenders has undertaken around the world for the protection and security of human rights defenders at risk in 2019, including the impact of grants, training, advocacy, visibility, rest & respite and other programs. In 2019, Front Line Defenders hosted 114 HRDs at the biennial Dublin Platform; presented its annual Awards to 5 LGBTI+ rights defenders in honor of the 50th annivesary of the Stonewall Uprising; and provided 626 protection grants to HRDs around the world.
