Throughout the world, 2023 marked one of the most perilous years for environmental defenders, with nearly 200 activists losing their lives as they stood up for the planet. A new report from Global Witness, titled 'Missing Voices,' provides harrowing insights, expressing urgent calls for justice and protection for those risking everything to protect their lands and communities.
This report reveals there were 196 documented murders of environmental defenders globally, with South America proving to be the most dangerous continent. Approximately 85% of these killings occurred within its borders, predominantly focused on Colombia, where the conflict over land and resources has turned deadly for many activists. Colombia reported 79 fatalities, making it the country with the highest annual total of killed defenders since Global Witness began tracking these tragedies more than a decade ago.
Activists defending land and environmental rights often face extreme violence, especially as criminal groups, landowners, and mining interests clash with rural and Indigenous populations seeking to safeguard their lands from exploitation. The report noted, "Murder remains a common strategy to silence defenders," reflecting on the systematic targeting of people advocating for environmental justice.
Colombia’s southwestern regions of Cauca, Nariño, and Putumayo, notorious for their drug trafficking and conflict between armed groups, have become hotspots for such violence. Armed conflicts compounded by coca cultivation and organized crime are believed to contribute to nearly half of the reported killings, leaving defenders and their communities trapped between conflicting agendas.
But Colombia isn’t the only country where dangers lurk for environmental advocates. Following closely are Brazil, which recorded 25 environmental-related murders, and Mexico and Honduras, each accounting for 18 killings. Despite the uplift of recent political shifts, especially with the election of President Lula da Silva, Brazilian defenders still face violence from landowners and illegal miners.
Mining has emerged as the single deadliest industry for environmental defenders, claiming 25 lives globally last year—more than any other sector. Resentment against mining operations often leads to violent confrontations. A particularly devastating example is seen with the cases of Indigenous leader Antonio Díaz and human rights lawyer Ricardo Lagunes, who were forcibly disappeared after protesting the activities of the mining company Ternium. Their families continue the struggle for answers, amid apparent indifference from the Mexican authorities.
But it’s not just the murders; environmental defenders worldwide often endure kidnappings and forced disappearances, especially alarming trends noted particularly within the Philippines. There, the military's violent tactics against defenders have been condemned following the abduction of young activists advocating against land reclamation projects.
The report also highlights the larger systemic issues allowing for such violence. With organized crime groups increasingly targeting defenders who challenge their activities, the state’s complicity and failure to protect these individuals exacerbate the severity of the situation. It points out the lack of legal protections for defenders and calls for significant reforms to hold perpetrators accountable.
Notably, the persistence of violence against Indigenous persons is shocking; they represent nearly half of the documented killings. They often find themselves at the forefront of advocacy, acting as stewards of the environment, facing persistent threats for defending their ancestral lands.
The issues surrounding environmental defenders extend across continents. The report documented about 298 deaths since the Global Witness tracking began in the Philippines alone, indicating not only the severity of localized conflicts but also the transnational nature of resource exploitation affecting communities worldwide.
And beyond the immediate act of violence, defenders across the globe report facing intimidation tactics like red-tagging, harassment, and unjust legal actions. The criminalization of activists has been particularly pronounced across Europe and the US, where laws against protest movements increasingly threaten fundamental freedoms. Activists are accused of ecoterrorism, suffering disproportionately harsh penalties for minor offenses and under severe surveillance. Such actions stifle voices advocating for sustainable practices and social rights, creating environments where opposing corporate greed is fraught with peril.
Finally, amid this grim backdrop, Global Witness urges world leaders to acknowledge the urgent need to protect such defenders. The organization's spokesperson likened the killings to "canaries in the coal mine," asserting these tragic losses are indicative of broader environmental crises looming over the globe. Governments must enact meaningful reforms to safeguard those on the front lines of the climate crisis.
