According to a report by Global Witness, a non-governmental organization, at least 142 environmental advocates were killed globally in 2024, while four others went missing. The majority of the victims were indigenous people or farmers, and activists opposing mining, logging, agriculture poaching, and energy projects. Criminal groups were primarily responsible for the attacks, although instances involving state security forces were also documented. Most of the killings remain unsolved.
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Colombia is the most dangerous country for ‘environmental defenders,’ with 48 recorded deaths. Guatemala (20 victims) and Mexico (18 victims) follow as the next most perilous countries. Latin America accounts for more than 80% of victims, with the region experiencing a total of 2,253 deaths since 2012. Despite a 28% decline in the global number of deaths compared to 2023, there could be more unreported cases, as suggested by Global Witness. The organization emphasizes the need for governments to protect environmental defenders by investigating attacks and prosecuting the perpetrators.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/more-than-140-environmental-defenders-killed-in-2024/a-74021697?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
