In a harrowing revelation, a new report from Global Witness has documented that at least 146 land and environmental defenders were murdered or forcibly disappeared in 2024. This alarming statistic highlights the ongoing crisis faced by individuals who courageously stand against powerful state and corporate interests in their quest to protect vital ecosystems and communities.
The report, titled “Roots of Resistance,” outlines a disturbing trend of violence that has resulted in 2,253 deaths of environmental advocates worldwide since 2012. The findings underscore a dire situation where those defending land, forests, and communities continue to endure violence with little hope for justice. While the 2024 figures show a decrease from the 196 recorded killings in 2023, Global Witness warns that this drop does not signify progress; rather, it reflects chronic underreporting, challenges in verifying cases in conflict zones, and an oppressive atmosphere that stifles the voices of victims’ families and communities.
Latin America remains the epicenter of these attacks, with a staggering 82 percent of documented killings occurring in this region. Colombia leads the grim statistics once again, with 48 killings, amounting to nearly one-third of all cases globally. The victims primarily include community leaders, Indigenous defenders, and small-scale farmers who confront the destructive practices of mining, agribusiness, and organized crime. Despite government promises of reform, Colombia’s weak state presence in former conflict zones has allowed armed groups and criminal networks to thrive, creating a perilous environment for those opposing environmental degradation.
Mexico follows closely with 19 cases—18 killings and one disappearance—marking the second deadliest year for Mexican defenders in the last decade. Brazil reported 12 killings, half of which involved small-scale farmers. Alarmingly, Guatemala witnessed a sharp rise in violence, with killings skyrocketing from four in 2023 to 20 in 2024, making it the country with the highest per capita murder rate for defenders globally. This surge in violence occurred despite the election of President Bernardo Arévalo, who had committed to addressing corruption and inequality.
Laura Furones, Senior Advisor at Global Witness and co-author of the report, remarked, “Eighty-two percent of recorded attacks in 2024 were in Latin America, where we have consistently seen the highest proportion of cases for over a decade. Killings were concentrated in four countries, which together accounted for around 70 percent of the murders: Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Brazil.” She further explained that Latin America’s rich natural resources, coupled with strong civil society movements and widespread impunity, create a volatile landscape for extraction-related conflicts and violence against defenders. “High levels of impunity mean there is little disincentive for violence to stop,” she added.
The report reveals troubling patterns regarding the victims of these attacks. In 2024, both Indigenous defenders and small-scale farmers comprised 45 of those killed or disappeared, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all cases. These tragic incidents are intrinsically linked to profit-driven industries, with mining identified as the deadliest sector, involved in 29 killings. Logging and agribusiness were also implicated in eight and four deaths, respectively. Organized crime played a role in nearly one-third of all attacks, often in collusion with state forces. Disturbingly, state actors, including police and military personnel, were linked to 17 killings, and in Colombia, a mere 5.2 percent of murders of social leaders since 2002 have seen resolution in court, leaving perpetrators largely unpunished.
Global Witness compiles its data through a meticulous process that includes reviewing public information, analyzing datasets, and collaborating with local organizations in over 20 countries. Each case is rigorously verified by credible sources, ensuring detailed accounts of the victims and their ties to land or environmental defense. However, Furones acknowledged that many attacks go unrecorded, particularly in authoritarian regimes, regions with minimal civil society, or active conflict zones, leading to an underestimation of the true scale of violence.
The report also sheds light on the personal stories behind the statistics, illustrating the profound human cost of this crisis. In Nigeria, members of the Ekuri community have spent decades safeguarding one of West Africa’s last tropical rainforests. Activists like Louis Friday, Martins Egot, and Odey Oyama endure threats from armed loggers and corrupt officials. Oyama himself was arrested in January 2025 by masked police, charged with “promoting inter-communal war,” a serious accusation he believes is a retaliatory act for his conservation efforts.
In Chile, the tragic disappearance of 72-year-old Mapuche leader Julia Chufil in November 2024 while fighting to reclaim ancestral land from forestry companies underscores the risks faced by defenders. Her family, leading the search, have found themselves treated as suspects rather than victims by the authorities. Meanwhile, in Colombia, campesino leader Jani Silva has survived for over a decade under state protection due to death threats associated with her advocacy for the Perla Amazónica Peasant Reserve. However, she describes these protective measures as isolating and burdensome, highlighting the inadequacy of current safety protocols.
The report emphasizes that lethal attacks represent only the most visible manifestation of violence against defenders. In addition to murder, activists face a wide array of threats, including harassment, sexual violence, smear campaigns, and criminalization. Furones expressed particular concern regarding the growing trend of criminalization, as increasingly restrictive laws are enacted worldwide, effectively turning peaceful protest into a criminal act.
The international community is urged to take urgent action. Global Witness calls on governments and businesses to acknowledge land rights, strengthen laws against corporate abuse, and develop effective protection mechanisms for defenders. Companies are urged to respect Free, Prior, and Informed Consent, conduct rigorous human rights due diligence, and adopt zero-tolerance policies for attacks on defenders. Indigenous Peoples, who manage over a third of the Earth’s protected land, are particularly vulnerable and often defend their territories with little state support, their voices frequently excluded from decision-making processes.
Furones emphasized that the protection of Indigenous Peoples is crucial to breaking the cycle of violence, advocating for respect for their right to self-determination and an end to impunity. She highlighted the rare but significant example of accountability in Peru, where illegal loggers were sentenced for the murder of four Indigenous Saweto leaders, illustrating that the judiciary can play a vital role—even if such justice often comes after a long and painful wait.
State protection measures for defenders vary widely, from providing security escorts to emergency relocations, yet they often focus on individuals rather than communities, despite the collective nature of defenders’ work. The case of Jani Silva illustrates how protective measures can save lives, yet also impose psychological burdens and isolation from communities. Global Witness advocates for an expansion of protection systems to address collective needs.
The report concludes that defenders are on the frontline of protecting ecosystems in the face of a climate crisis, yet they face increasing threats. Without robust protections and accountability, the risks they face will remain persistent. Furones stressed that breaking the cycle of violence requires political will, strong legal frameworks, and corporate responsibility. “Study after study shows Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendant communities are the best guardians of forests and natural resources. Protecting them is not just about human rights; it is also about safeguarding our planet.”
As the “Roots of Resistance” report highlights, while governments and corporations reap profits from resource extraction, those who strive to protect the environment pay the ultimate price. The global community now faces a critical choice: to reinforce protections and enforce accountability, or to allow the cycle of violence to continue unchecked.
