Human rights defender's story: Juan Auz from Ecuador

Juan Auz is deeply committed to supporting the rights of Indigenous communities in the Amazon region of Ecuador through his work with Terra Amata. His journey into human rights advocacy began when he recognised the limited legal support available to local communities facing injustices related to natural resource exploitation. Juan’s role involves not only offering legal advice, but also engaging actively in the protection of environmental and Indigenous peoples’ rights.

He highlighted the significant risks faced by defenders like himself, especially in resource-rich areas where both State and corporate powers often pose threats. The increasing use of criminal law to silence and prosecute human rights defenders and Indigenous leaders is a growing concern in his work. Juan emphasised the importance of leveraging national, regional, and international human rights mechanisms to counteract the weaknesses in local judicial systems and to strengthen Indigenous organisations. His ultimate goal is to secure environmental justice in Ecuador, ensuring that Indigenous communities have the support and legal recourse necessary to protect their rights and territories.