TAKE ACTION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDER ATTACKED BY FOUR GUNMEN

Paraguay UA 31.26

Rubén Irala, human rights defender and coordinator of the Diocesan Social Pastoral Ministry of Guairá, suffered an armed attack on March 20 at the December 23 Settlement, Caazapá Department. In view of previous threats, the aggression is highly likely linked to his work protecting the environment and communities affected by environmental degradation.

Call on the Paraguayan authorities to effectively investigate the motive behind the attack and provide adequate protection measures for Rubén and his family - send your message using our email writing tool.

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Dr.

Dr. Emiliano

Rolón Fernán

Prosecutor’s Office

Dear Dr. Rolón,

I am concerned about the recent attack suffered by the environmental human rights defender Rubén Irala (Ref.: File N° 355/2026). Rubén Irala is the coordinator of the Diocesan Social Pastoral Ministry of Guairá; an organization linked to the Catholic Church that takes an active role in tackling socioenvironmental conflicts in the territory.

Rubén was intercepted by an armed man on March 20, 2026, after a day working with his team on efforts to resolve a territorial conflict in the December 23 Settlement. While returning to the Social Pastoral in Villarica, the armed man attempted to block his vehicle, ordered him to get out of the car, and fired shots into the air and at Rubén’s tires. As Rubén tried to flee, he was intercepted again a few meters later by a group of three-armed men carrying long firearms and wearing face coverings. This group opened fire on his vehicle, striking both the front and the side. Despite the attack, Rubén managed to escape the area.

While I acknowledge that the authorities detained one suspect, I am concerned that the attack is being treated as a case of “common robbery” without adequately considering its possible link to Rubén’s human rights work. Rubén has received previous intimidation and threats because of his activism.

Paraguay has binding obligations under human rights law and standards to ensure a safe environment for human rights defenders. I urge you to effectively investigate the attack against Rubén, including considering Rubén’s work as an environmental human rights defender as a possible motive for the crime. Further, I urge Paraguayan authorities to protect Rubén Irala and his family effectively so that he can carry out his work without retaliations.

Yours sincerely,

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