Our Impact
Since 1995, EarthRights International has been at the forefront of working with communities to hold corporations and governments accountable for environmental, human rights, and climate abuses.
We hold powerful actors accountable and set legal precedent.
Our strategic litigation and corporate campaigns have defended communities, vindicated their rights in court, and changed the legal rules to protect people and the planet. Together with our clients and partners, we set a global precedent.
Setting Global Litigation Precedent
Doe v. Unocal
A pioneer in establishing the Alien Tort Statute as a tool for addressing transnational corporate misconduct—ie. charging in the U.S. for complicity in human rights abuses abroad.
Jam v. IFC
Landmark U.S. Supreme Court victory that ended absolute immunity that once shielded international finance institutions from responsibility for projects that harm people.
Doe v. Chiquita
First ever U.S. jury verdict holding a major American corporation liable for overseas human rights violations which also included historic settlements that benefit frontline communities.
An Alumni Network of 700+ grassroots activists and community leaders.
We strengthen movements by committing to community leaders deeply and for the long term.
Our school and training initiatives harness local power, strengthen civil society and transnational solidarity, and create lasting, community-driven change.
Through transformative education initiatives, including the seven-month residential program at the EarthRights School, we now support an alumni network of over 700 grassroots activists and community leaders. Programs such as the EarthRights School and Mekong Legal Advocacy Institute in the Mekong, Seminario JurÃdico IndÃgena Latinoamericano (Seminario) in the Amazon, and École du Fleuve Congo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo equip advocates with the skills, knowledge, and support systems to address community harms.
We protect, defend, and stand beside environmental and human rights defenders.
EarthRights provides critical legal counsel and defense, extends security trainings and emergency support, and creates trusted regional and international support networks for environmental and human rights defenders.
We also co-lead efforts to shape global norms that influence the way that governments and businesses treat defenders, resulting in stronger standards within the United Nations, OECD, Inter-American system, World Bank Group, United States Government, and multiple business-led initiatives.
Impact Stories: Holding Powerful Actors to Account
How Honduran farmers held an international financial institution accountable for funding a palm oil company linked to violence
30 years challenging Big Oil in Myanmar: Pioneering corporate accountability litigation and cutting off revenues to Myanmar junta
U’wa Victory Signals Turning Point for Environmental and Indigenous Justice
IN 2025:
Amplifying Community Voices for Justice
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Colombia Victims Win Historic Verdict Over Chiquita
Inter-American Court Links Climate Emergency to Human Rights Obligations
How a Cambodian Community Is Defending Its Land and Future
Brunswick County Commits Millions to Expand Water Access After Community Pressure in Historically Black Neighborhoods
IN 2025:
The reach of our campaign and advocacy support for communities is global.
Standing with and Protecting Defenders Against Intimidation and Criminalization
IN 2025:
Help us fight for justice
In a world where climate disruption is accelerating, corporate harm often goes unchecked, and threats against advocates continue to rise, our victories remind us where we’re most needed and most effective.