146 Environmental Defenders Killed or Disappeared Globally in 2024
Introduction
In 2024, the world witnessed an alarming rise in the targeting of Environmental Defenders individuals who risk their lives to protect natural resources, land, and communities from exploitation and environmental degradation. According to the latest report from Global Witness, at least 146 defenders were killed or disappeared worldwide. This represents not just a human rights crisis but also a profound threat to environmental preservation. These defenders, often indigenous leaders, activists, and local community members, face threats from criminal organizations, corporate interests, and, in some cases, government entities unwilling to address illegal logging, mining, or land grabs. Understanding the scope of this crisis requires examining regional trends, the underlying causes of attacks, and the broader implications for global environmental activism.
Global Statistics and Trends
The 2024 data from Global Witness shows that Latin America remains the deadliest region for Environmental Defenders, accounting for more than 80% of reported cases. Colombia alone reported 48 fatalities, followed by Guatemala with 20 and Mexico with 18. Africa and Asia also faced notable threats, though the numbers were slightly lower. The report emphasizes that these statistics only account for documented cases; many attacks likely go unreported due to fear of retaliation, limited media coverage, and lack of reliable local data. Alarmingly, indigenous people, who make up roughly 6% of the global population, represent nearly a third of all victims, highlighting the intersection of land rights, environmental stewardship, and systemic marginalization.
Latin America: Epicenter of Danger
Latin America continues to be the epicenter of violence against Environmental Defenders. Colombia, in particular, has seen sustained attacks from illegal armed groups, paramilitaries, and criminal syndicates tied to the drug trade and illicit mining operations. Many defenders in rural regions work to protect forests, rivers, and communal lands, challenging illegal logging, mining, or agribusiness expansion. Guatemala has experienced similar challenges, with defenders opposing hydroelectric projects and large-scale agricultural development. In Mexico, activists defending forests, water rights, and indigenous lands face both legal harassment and physical violence. These regional patterns underscore a critical need for enhanced protections and international pressure on local governments to ensure the safety of these defenders.
Africa’s Struggle for Environmental Justice
Across Africa, Environmental Defenders face a mix of threats from extractive industries, political instability, and armed conflict. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, defenders opposing illegal mining operations often face violence from militias and local security forces. Liberia has seen attacks related to land disputes between corporations and indigenous communities. In many African countries, weak legal frameworks and limited access to justice exacerbate the risks for defenders. Organizations such as Forest Peoples Programme have highlighted the importance of international advocacy, legal support, and local protection measures to safeguard these activists. The persistent violence reflects a broader struggle over land, resources, and environmental governance across the continent.
Asia: Legal Persecution and Criminalization
In Asia, Environmental Defenders increasingly face legal persecution and criminalization. Governments in countries like the Philippines, India, and Indonesia have employed laws that restrict protest, impose fines, and criminalize advocacy against environmentally destructive projects. Activists working to protect forests, rivers, and indigenous territories face arrests, judicial harassment, and intimidation campaigns. This environment of fear has a chilling effect on activism, reducing community engagement and limiting efforts to hold corporations accountable. International human rights organizations emphasize the necessity of legal reforms and diplomatic pressure to protect defenders from arbitrary detention and ensure that environmental activism remains a safe and viable pursuit.
Case Studies of Courage and Sacrifice
Stories of individual Environmental Defenders provide a human dimension to the statistics. For instance, Juliana Choniel in Chile disappeared in November 2024 while seeking to reclaim ancestral lands. In Brazil, indigenous leaders opposing illegal logging and mining have faced death threats and violent attacks. In the Philippines, local community members fighting against destructive mining projects have been subjected to harassment and arrest. These case studies illustrate both the personal risks defenders undertake and the systemic challenges they confront. By amplifying these stories, global attention can translate into protection measures and accountability for perpetrators.
Underlying Causes of Violence
The targeting of Environmental Defenders is driven by multiple interconnected factors. Corporate interests in logging, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development often clash with local community rights and environmental protection. Corruption, weak governance, and impunity create an environment where violence against activists is tolerated or even facilitated. Armed groups exploit these conditions to advance territorial or financial interests. Additionally, the marginalization of indigenous communities, who are often primary defenders of forests and biodiversity, exacerbates vulnerability. Addressing these causes requires systemic change, including stronger legal protections, transparency in development projects, and community empowerment.
Recommendations to Protect Environmental Defenders
Global Witness and other advocacy organizations recommend several measures to protect Environmental Defenders. These include implementing stronger legal frameworks at national and regional levels, ensuring accountability for attacks, providing emergency support and protection for at-risk individuals, and enhancing international cooperation. Governments should recognize defenders as key stakeholders in environmental governance. Civil society, international organizations, and the media play crucial roles in monitoring, documenting, and publicizing violations. Supporting education, legal aid, and local advocacy initiatives strengthens communities’ capacity to resist exploitation while staying safe.
The Broader Impact on Communities and Environment
The violence against Environmental Defenders has far-reaching implications. Beyond the tragic loss of life, attacks undermine community resilience, diminish environmental protection efforts, and embolden exploitative industries. Forest degradation, water contamination, and loss of biodiversity often follow in the wake of silenced defenders. Moreover, the psychological impact on families and communities erodes social cohesion and discourages future activism. By highlighting the consequences of these attacks, stakeholders can better mobilize resources and attention to support defenders and promote sustainable environmental stewardship.
International Response and Advocacy
International response to attacks on Environmental Defenders has included advocacy, funding protection programs, and public pressure on governments. Organizations such as Global Witness, Amnesty International, and Forest Peoples Programme collaborate with local NGOs to monitor threats and provide legal and physical protection. Diplomatic engagement and sanctions can sometimes deter violence, but sustained attention and local empowerment remain essential. Public awareness campaigns, global media coverage, and participation in human rights forums help maintain pressure on authorities to act decisively against perpetrators.
Conclusion
The attacks on Environmental Defenders in 2024 represent a grave challenge for human rights and environmental protection worldwide. Protecting these individuals is not just a matter of justice but a necessity for safeguarding our planet’s future. Governments, civil society, and international actors must collaborate to ensure legal protections, accountability, and safety measures for defenders. By amplifying the voices of activists and supporting their critical work, the global community can honor their courage and help prevent further tragedies. For more news and updates on Environmental Defenders, click here.
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