Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro orchestrated a systematic assault on the Amazon and the world is paying the price.
BUT HE CAN BE Held accountable.
Through the law and the power of people rising together, justice is possible.
Case Overview
In October 2021, AllRise filed a landmark complaint against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at the International Criminal Court. It is the first attempt to hold a head of state criminally accountable for environmental destruction on this scale.
The complaint alleges crimes against humanity linked to policies that accelerated deforestation, undermined protections, and violated the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities. By turning systemic harm into enforceable justice, this case sets a global precedent: even the most powerful leaders can be challenged when law and evidence converge.
The Evidence
AllRise’s Article 15 complaint exposes a systematic assault on the Amazon under Bolsonaro—showing that even the most powerful can be held accountable when law and evidence converge.
Forests on Fire: Policies and inaction turned the Amazon from a carbon sink into a greenhouse gas source. Illegal logging, land clearing, and fires ran unchecked.
Communities Under Threat: Indigenous peoples and environmental defenders faced persecution, lost land, and serious threats to life and health. Their rights were ignored.
Illegal Exploitation: Mining, land grabbing, and extractive industries thrived under weak enforcement, destroying habitats and biodiversity.
Government Complicity: Officials promoted or tolerated these violations, letting the ruthless profit at the planet’s expense.
Global Consequences: The Amazon’s destruction accelerates climate change, reduces biodiversity, and destabilizes ecosystems vital for millions worldwide.
Through satellite imagery, on-the-ground reporting, whistleblower testimony, and scientific research, we turned a complex crisis into a legally actionable case. This isn’t just about Brazil, it’s a fight for planetary justice.
Why This Case Matters
Global Precedent: This is the first case to challenge a head of state for climate-related crimes at the ICC.
Systemic Impact: By holding Bolsonaro accountable, the case reinforces the legal obligations of governments worldwide to protect human rights and the environment.
Public Engagement: Over 1 million people have supported the case, demonstrating the power of societal pressure alongside legal strategy.
PARTNERS
We are grateful to our partners who make this work possible and help hold Bolsonaro accountable.
