WHO WE ARE
About us
Champions of Land Justice Worldwide
Land Rights Defenders Inc. (LRDI) is an Indigenous-led 501(c)(3) public charity committed to safeguarding the rights of landowners and ensuring a safe, equitable environment for Indigenous and native communities. We advocate for fair land policies and practices, taking legal action when necessary to protect communities from exploitation and displacement. Our mission is to empower those facing land grabs, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld.
Our Mission
Our core objective is to protect the rights of landowners and guarantee a safe and equitable environment for indigenous and native groups by advocating for fair and just land policies and practices or taking legal action when necessary. We strive to safeguard indigenous lands and territories from exploitation such as destructive mining/logging practices as well as the recent menace of illegal land seizure by corporations and authoritarian governments.
Our Vision
A world where every individual, regardless of their socio-economic background, has secure land rights and is empowered to thrive and prosper. Through our dedicated efforts, we aim to create a fair and just society, one where no one is unjustly stripped of their lands, livelihood, cultural identity, and ancestral heritage.
Our History
Founded in Ghana in 2020 amidst escalating land dispossession and human rights abuses, LRDI emerged from the grassroots struggle of the Benimasi-Boadi community. Our founder, Nana Kwesi Osei Bonsu, witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of land grabs and, facing persecution, established LRDI in March 2023 with support from the U.S. government. Since then, we’ve invoked international laws, filed complaints with the UN Human Rights Council, and collaborated with organizations like USAID and Microsoft to protect Indigenous lands and rights.
Our Vision & Values
We envision a world where land is a source of dignity and justice for all. Our core values include:
Human Rights
Upholding land as a fundamental human right.
Community-Centered
Collaborating with affected communities to design and implement solutions.
Transparency and Accountability
Operating with ethical principles and being accountable to the communities we serve.
Equity and Justice
Ensuring fair distribution of land and resources.
Collaboration
Partnering with organizations and individuals who share our commitment to land rights.
Our Faith
Our work is deeply rooted in the belief that land is sacred and integral to cultural identity and spiritual well-being. We honor the traditions and beliefs of Indigenous communities, recognizing the spiritual connection between people and their ancestral lands.
Our partners
Our Structure
As a 501(c)(3) public charity, LRDI operates with a transparent and accountable governance structure. Our board of directors comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds in law, human rights, and community development, all committed to our mission of land justice.
