Human rights defender's story: Luisa Rios from Peru

Luisa Rios, as the Office Director for the Madre Dios branch of the Peruvian Society for Environmental Law (SPDA), has dedicated several years to defending the environmental and legal rights of forest users in Peru. Her commitment extends beyond legal advocacy, focusing on strengthening and protecting environmental defenders facing illegal logging and mining in their territories.

Luisa’s leadership at the SPDA includes managing a free legal clinic that provides essential legal support to those at the forefront of environmental conservation. This initiative is part of her broader effort to address the adverse impacts of investment projects on Indigenous communities and isolated populations, an issue she has successfully brought to the attention of international bodies, including the UN Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples.

For over eight years, Luisa has worked alongside communities that are deeply affected by environmental threats but remain determined to protect their land for future generations. Her approach not only involves sophisticated legal strategies but also emphasises human rights, underscoring the critical role of environmental defenders in promoting sustainable development and social justice.

Through her work, Luisa has been instrumental in drawing national and international attention to the plight of environmental defenders in Peru, advocating for stronger legal protections and more robust frameworks that safeguard both human and environmental rights. Her efforts highlight the essential connection between environmental stewardship and the overall well-being of society, pushing for systemic changes that ensure a more equitable and sustainable future for all.