Cases and Projects: Human Rights and the Environment

Chalillo Dam (Belize)

• Filed an amicus curiae brief before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in support of the petitioners in a case involving the impacts of the Chalillo Dam on the environment and health of Mayan peoples and other communities in Belize.
• Travelled to Belize in Fall 2017 to conduct interviews with petitioners and further gather relevant, updated information for the brief.

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Human Rights to Water and Sanitation (United States)

• In partnership with a national coalition, submitted a substantial report and participated in a hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to denounce violations of the human rights to water and sanitation in the United States.

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U.S. Navy Contamination in Vieques (Puerto Rico)

• Filed an amicus curiae brief in support of the petition on behalf of the people of Vieques, Puerto Rico before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights involving the ongoing effects that the US Navy bombing had on the environment and people of Vieques.

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U.N. Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment

• Drafted and provided a research memo to UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment, Prof. John Knox, on the issue of international human rights law protections of special groups of people whose enjoyment of their lands, resources, and territories are affected by development projects.