This Amnesty International report examines the situation faced by defenders of the land, territory and environment in Honduras and Guatemala. It is the first in a series of reports to be published on this group of defenders in several countries in the Americas. Statements that vilify them, coupled with the misuse of the justice system to criminalize the defence of human rights, are violating their human rights and encouraging threats, attacks and assaults against them. Entrenched impunity for attacks and threats against defenders sends a message that such acts will not be punished, exacerbating the situation.