International Rivers
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International Rivers protects rivers and defends the rights of communities that depend on them.
Protecting rivers and human rights in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
A just energy transition cannot come at the expense of human rights. We endorse the new report "Financing the Transition, Silencing Defenders" from the Coalition on Human Rights in Development, which documents what's at stake when communities and human rights defenders are shut out of decisions over their lands, livelihoods and rights.
Across Asia, people on the frontlines of the climate crisis are facing reprisals for raising concerns about energy transition projects — including large hydropower, a false climate solution that too often displaces and silences the very communities it claims to serve.
When civic space closes and defenders are excluded and criminalized, the energy transition itself is at risk. Meaningful public participation is critical in building a transition that meets the needs of frontline communities over the interests of business as usual, and development banks must ensure their voice is heard.
Read the report and help us to share this information: http://bit.ly/silencing-HRDs
06/05/2026
On this , we've joined 72 other NGOs in calling on Prime Minister Hun Manet to immediately free the Mother Nature Cambodia 5 — five young Cambodian environmental defenders sentenced to 6–8 years in prison for peacefully advocating to protect their environment.
Long Kunthea, Yim Leanghy, Thun Ratha, Phuon Keoraksmey, and Ly Chandaravuth were convicted without credible evidence. Their appeals hearing has been delayed with no new date set.
This is a failure of justice. Protecting the environment is not a crime. Their freedom cannot wait.
06/02/2026
ICYMI: Last month, water advocates, ecological experts and community leaders from around the world gathered for an inspiring webinar dedicated to growing the global movement around dam removal.
Learn about:
* Successful dam removal cases in South Africa
* Indigenous victory in removing dams on the Klamath
* The nuts and bolts of funding the costs of dam removal
* Where the most likely next frontier of dam removal will be
Check the link to access the recording: https://youtu.be/qs7U7xkMN78?si=KZtPNGX_C2exiCB9
You can be a part of this vital conversation: stay tuned for upcoming events to learn how you can be part of the dam removal revolution!
Rivers, lakes and wetlands take up less than 1% of Earth's surface, yet sustain 10% of all known species — more biodiversity per square meter than any ocean or forest.
That richness is disappearing. Freshwater biodiversity has declined 85% since 1970 — the steepest fall of any ecosystem on the planet.
Healthy, aren't just vital arteries for ecosystems and communities. They're irreplaceable. On this International Day for Biological Diversity, join us in defending them. 🌊
05/21/2026
In April 2026, 20 women from across the Brahmaputra Basin came together to talk about the river and its basin because so much is changing. We must learn from each other and tell our stories.
Women’s voices remain largely absent from water governance conversations across the basin. That silence is not accidental. It is the result of choices, systems, and structures that must be changed.
We listened, we learned, we shared, we sang, we danced, we celebrated each other. We told stories of our lived experiences being riverine communities. And most importantly, we connected.
05/20/2026
Big news in the NY Times: 2025 saw a record-breaking year for dam removal in the U.S. — more than 100 dams removed, reconnecting nearly 5,000 miles of rivers. Cooler waters, returning salmon, restored ecosystems, thriving communities.
But this is only the beginning.
Around the world, tens of thousands of aging, risky dams are nearing the end of their operational lives, while communities increasingly confront their ecological, cultural, and economic impacts.
International Rivers is helping bring the dam removal movement global — working with partners to advance legal frameworks, river restoration strategies, and community-led pathways for removing obsolete dams and restoring free-flowing rivers.
Stay tuned to learn more!
Photo credit: Shane Anderson of Swiftwater Films
Read the full NYT article and join us in making a global movement: https://bit.ly/AmericatheUndammed
05/11/2026
Our 2025 Annual Report is now available! 🌍
Inside this year’s report:
Landmark victories for river protection
Community-led movements shaping global policy
Indigenous and women river defenders leading change
Global advocacy challenging destructive mega-dam financing
Forty years united for rivers. And we’re just getting started.
Read the full Annual Report now: https://intlrv.rs/2025annualreport
05/04/2026
In the May 2026 edition of Michelangelo Magazine Michelangelo Magazine , the in-flight magazine of Namibia’s national airline, Hans-Christian Mahnke shares how is working to protect Namibia’s rivers with the communities that depend on them.
As Hans highlights, decisions made far from riverbanks can shape entire ecosystems, livelihoods, and cultures.
Check the full content here:https://maiwsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MA202605.pdf
In April 2026, travelled to the Baynes Mountains in Namibia's Kunene Region. An overall majority of affected indigenous OvaHimba and OvaTjimba communities in Namibia say they have been left out of decision-making concerning the Baynes hydropower dam.
More than 600 ovaHimba and ovaTjimba gathered to speak with Namibia's Ombudsman, and representatives from the office of the Environmental Commissioner and the National Heritage Council about their concerns regarding the planned dam project on the transboundary Kunene river.
For many it was the first time ever engaging directly with a government delegation about their concerns related to the Baynes dam.
The community clearly articulated that meaningful participation, centering their rights, including Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) should be at the centre of decisions that affect their land and livelihoods.
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Oakland, CA
94612