On January 31, 2025, a coalition of over 300 human rights, environmental, and faith-based organizations from 44 countries urged Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to reject toxic mining projects and drop charges against five water defenders. This call comes ahead of a retrial set for February 3, concerning the defenders who were previously acquitted of politically motivated charges.
Key Takeaways
- Over 300 organizations and 180 academics from 44 countries signed a letter opposing mining projects in El Salvador.
- The five water defenders played a crucial role in the 2017 law that banned metallic mining in the country.
- A new law passed in December 2024 allows mining to resume, raising concerns about environmental and human rights violations.
- A recent poll indicates that 61% of Salvadorans oppose the return of mining activities.
Background of the Water Defenders
The five water defenders, who were arrested in 2023, were instrumental in the historic 2017 legislation that prohibited metallic mining in El Salvador, making it the first country in the world to enact such a ban. Despite their acquittal in 2024, an appeals court annulled the ruling, leading to the upcoming retrial.
The New Mining Law
On December 23, 2024, El Salvador’s legislature passed a controversial new mining law that:
- Allows mining activities to resume without requiring environmental impact assessments.
- Fails to mandate community consultation and consent for mining operations.
- Permits mining corporations to partner with the government, potentially leading to environmental abuses.
This law has raised alarms among environmentalists and human rights advocates, who argue that it undermines the progress made in protecting the environment and the rights of local communities.
Global Support for the Movement
The letter opposing the mining projects highlights the global concern regarding the potential environmental and human rights impacts of mining in El Salvador. Key points from the letter include:
- Mining could lead to increased environmental contamination and public health risks.
- The Salvadoran water defenders are recognized as heroes for their commitment to environmental protection.
- The overwhelming majority of Salvadorans oppose the reintroduction of mining, as evidenced by recent polls.
Voices of Concern
Prominent figures from various organizations have expressed their support for the water defenders and their opposition to the new mining law:
- John Cavanagh, Institute for Policy Studies: "The unanimous seven-year ban on all metals mining in El Salvador must be respected."
- Christie Neufeldt, The United Church of Canada: "We reject the criminalization of the Santa Marta Water Defenders for their leadership in denouncing mining."
- Caren Weisbart, Common Frontiers: "Ignoring the opposition of Salvadoran civil society is unconscionable and puts lives at risk."
Conclusion
The upcoming retrial of the five water defenders and the renewed push for mining in El Salvador has sparked a significant outcry from both local and international communities. As the situation unfolds, the call for President Bukele to uphold the rights of environmental defenders and prioritize the health of the nation’s ecosystems remains a pressing issue. The global coalition’s support underscores the importance of protecting both human rights and the environment in El Salvador.
