EarthRights International (ERI) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization (NGO) combining the power of law and the power of people to protect earth rights. Earth rights affirm the strong connection between human well-being and a sound environment, and include the right to a healthy environment, the right to speak out and act to protect the environment, and the right to participate in development decisions. On the grassroots level, ERI focuses on campaigns in Southeast Asia, but also works internationally to expose abuses and devise strategies for their eradication. Specifically, ERI investigates, monitors, and exposes abuses occurring in the name of development; works to increase the transparency and accountability of governments, transnational corporations, and international institutions; and protects human rights and environmental defenders. ERI does so through a multifaceted program of investigations, publications, litigation and other legal work; grassroots organizing, education, and training; and local, national, regional, and international advocacy. ERI has offices in northern Thailand and Washington, D.C. ERI was incorporated in the U.S. and has nonprofit status pursuant to U.S. Tax Code 501(c)(3). The staff is ethnically diverse (evenly divided between people from the Global North and South), and is composed of lawyers, human rights and environmental activists, and experienced NGO workers.
