Political Quotes

“killings of environmental defenders are shockingly common in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The assassination of Berta Caceres in Honduras 3 years ago, orchestrated by top officials of a hydroelectric company and carried out by retired and Active-Duty soldiers who had received training from the United States, was emblematic of the widespread use of harassment, threats, and murder to silence those who courageously call for changes in policies and practices to protect the environment. According to a report released today by Global Witness, the Philippines has the highest number of killings in Asia of people who oppose illegal logging, destructive mining, and corrupt agribusiness, with at least 30 cases documented in 2018. The total number is likely higher, as some investigations are ongoing. Many of the victims simply wanted a say in how their land and the country's natural resources are used. The perpetrators are almost never arrested or prosecuted. On July 25, 2016, the Philippines' newly elected President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his first state of the nation address. He promised to safeguard the country's rural and indigenous communities, tackle corruption, and protect the environment. The results since then paint a very different and distressing picture. If President Duterte meant what he said, he has failed miserably. According to Global Witness, in the 3 years before Duterte took office at least 65 land and environmental defenders were murdered.…”