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In Cahors, the Maison des Œuvres came alive on Friday, June 26th at 6 p.m. for an evening where people applauded — and especially accompanied — persecuted environmental activistsOrganized by theACATThis meeting highlighted eight situations from around the world (Uganda, DRC, Azerbaijan, Western Sahara, Argentina, Mexico, Cambodia, Vietnam), reminding us that the fight for nature can be very costly.
It was pointed out that behind these repressions often lie identical underlying logics: oligarchies linked to companies and to powers who want to exploit without restraint the natural resources, to the detriment of local populations and ecosystems.ACAT, an ecumenical Christian NGO, implements denunciation, legal assistance and mobilization to put pressure on decision-makers — and participants were invited to sign letters to directly address the heads of state concerned.
Summary: In Cahors, a moving and engaging evening brought together supporters and curious onlookers around the environmental advocates persecuted. Organized by theACAT to the House of worksThe meeting highlighted eight cases from Africa, America and Asia, explained the mechanisms of repression and proposed concrete actions — including the drafting of letters addressed to the heads of state concerned.
On Friday, June 26th at 6 p.m., Cahors experienced a moment where emotion and information intertwined.Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture (ACAT) has chosen to open a new chapter in its struggle by dedicating a celebration to those who defend the planet and find themselves in danger for doing so. This theme, still relatively absent from traditional human rights discourse, now occupies a central place in humanitarian mobilizations.
The meeting had the feel of an international crossroads: eight situations were presented, from very different countries — Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Azerbaijan, Western Sahara, Argentina, Mexico, Cambodia and VietnamThese stories demonstrate that human rights violations linked to environmental damage are not a regional curiosity but a global reality.
Cases from all corners of the world
The stories told at the Maison des Œuvres each bore the mark of the same logic: the defense of a territory, a forest, a river, a right—and the disproportionate reaction of the powers that be. From Central Africa to the plains of Latin America, by way of Southeast Asia, the examples presented allowed one to grasp the universality of the phenomenon.
To better understand the Asian context discussed during the evening, recent resources highlight commitments in the region, such as the celebration of Cambodia’s 20 years of engagement within the WTO (link) or efforts to strengthen the enforcement of human rights laws in Vietnam (link).
Why are nature conservationists being repressed?
Repression is never without reason: powerful economic interests lie behind it. Local oligarchies, often in connivance together with businesses and political decision-makers, seek to maintain the freedom to exploit resources—timber, minerals, deposits—without hindrance. In a climate where the corruption and impunity reigns; any investigation, any protest becomes a threat to those who profit from predation.
The consequence? Indigenous populations and natural environments pay a heavy price. Voices that investigate, denounce, or protect are often silenced through legal or administrative means, or through outright violence.
The courage of local voices
Those targeted include young people journalists, of the lawyers, of the local leadersWomen and men who remain peaceful despite the risks. Their courage is striking: field investigations, testimonies, legal actions—all acts that, in certain contexts, expose them to harsh sentences, torture, imprisonment, or even death. The evening in Cahors made these stories visible and human.
ACAT’s actions: denouncing, assisting, lobbying
Thanks to its network and legal expertise, theACAT is waging war on several fronts: denounce abuse, to assist the victims, and put pressure on national and international authorities. The work is patient and often discreet, but it bears fruit — protection of victims, media attention, legal and diplomatic interventions that sometimes change the course of events.
The NGO, which is Christian and ecumenical, does more than just denounce wrongdoing: it mobilizes citizens. During the meeting, participants were invited to sign letters addressed to the heads of state of the countries concerned—a concrete and direct gesture to remind those in power that they are being watched.
Networks, solidarity and regional examples
Environmental protection is often linked to regional dynamics of engagement. Positive initiatives are multiplying: whether it be support for friendship and cooperation associations, as in the case of Vietnam-Russia relations (link), or companies that demonstrate their social responsibility, such as their strengthened commitments in Vietnam (link).
Even tourism can become a vehicle for responsibility: voluntary and ethical approaches in Thailand show that “exploring” can rhyme with “protecting” (link).
How to take action from Cahors
Participating in these types of events, signing letters, staying informed, and sharing information are all important actions. Local engagement—meetings, debates, correspondence—helps create international pressure that can save lives and protect territories.
In Cahors, the Maison des œuvres offered a warm space to remind everyone that solidarity transcends borders: a signature, a shared word, a citizen mobilization can shift the balance of power.
Q: What was the purpose of the meeting organized in Cahors? A: This was a celebration proposed by Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture (ACAT) THE Friday, June 26 at 6 p.m. to the House of works, dedicated to persecuted environmentalists. Q: Why is this theme new for ACAT? A: ACAT is broadening its perspective because there are more and more violations of human rights are linked to the destruction of nature: the repression targeting those who protect the environment is now part of the fight against torture and ill-treatment. Q: How many cases were presented and where did they come from? A: Eight cases were highlighted, illustrating that this phenomenon is global: they included situations in Uganda, DRC, Azerbaijan, Western Sahara, Argentina, Mexico, Cambodia And Vietnam. Q: What is driving the repression of environmental activists? A: The mechanisms are surprisingly similar everywhere: oligarchiesBusinesses and public authorities are cooperating to maintain free access to theresource exploitation (wood, gold, minerals, deposits…), often at the cost of a corruption widespread. Any denunciation or field investigation then becomes a threat to be silenced. Q: Who are the people generally targeted by these crackdowns? A: Often young people journalists, of the lawyers, of the local leaders or members of indigenous peoplescourageous women and men who sometimes pay a very high price for their commitment — even losing their lives. Q: What exactly is ACAT doing for these human rights defenders? A: ACAT uses its network and legal expertise to denounce the abuses, assist victims and exercise pressure on national and international authorities in order to achieve changes and protect people in danger. Q: Is ACAT a religious organization? A: Yes: ACAT is an NGO ecumenical Christian, but its action in favor of human rights and the environment is aimed at everyone, beyond religious affiliations. Q: How were the participants involved in the action? A: At the end of the meeting, those present were invited to sign some letters to heads of state from the countries concerned, a concrete gesture of solidarity and diplomatic pressure. Q: Why support these local and international initiatives? A: Because protecting the environment isn’t just about preserving landscapes: it’s also about defending vulnerable populations, guarantee fundamental rights and to curb predatory exploitation that threatens human and ecological balance.