Due to the rise of violence against land rights activists in Brazil, the United Nations’ environment chief issued an investigation, including into the recent murders of three activists.

Executive Director of the UN Environment Erik Solheim said, “The recent murder of Nazildo dos Santos and two other environmental activists in the state of Para is indicative of a worrying pattern of retaliation against those protecting their environmental and human rights”.

He further states the government and businesses should respect and support the land rights if affirmed by the Brazilian Constitution.