In 2024, a new report from Global Witness revealed that 146 land and environmental activists globally were either killed or vanished.
The organization indicates that this figure is likely an underestimate, as numerous attacks often go undocumented. This year’s total is lower than the 196 recorded in 2023, yet researchers caution that this reduction does not imply improved safety for climate defenders worldwide. Underreporting remains a persistent global issue, frequently complicated by difficulties in verifying suspected killings and disappearances. Researchers also highlight a global rise in alternative methods of suppression, such as abductions and criminalization.
“Governments around the world are exploiting their legal systems to silence those who speak out to protect our planet,” commented Rachel Cox, a senior campaigner for Global Witness. “Concurrently, authorities are failing to hold those accountable for assaults on defenders—perpetuating a cycle of violence with minimal repercussions. Global leaders must recognize their imperative role in bringing an ultimate end to this.”
Global Witness has annually documented the killings and disappearances of environmental defenders since 2012. The organization compiles reports of these attacks through online submissions, tips, and records from civil society groups, working closely with organizations that support defenders and their communities to authenticate the information.
Many incidents involved individuals safeguarding their land from extractive industries. Last year, 29 cases were linked to mining and other extractive activities, eight to logging, and four to agribusiness, while over 62% of cases were broadly associated with land or land reform issues.
In 2024, Latin America accounted for 82% of all incidents, continuing its trend of having the highest proportion of cases recorded by Global Witness for over a decade. Colombia remained exceptionally dangerous for defenders, with 48 killings reported across the country—representing one-third of all global fatal attacks. Mexico and Brazil also registered a significant number of reported cases, with 18 and 12 respectively.
Guatemala experienced a five-fold escalation in reported killings, rising from four in 2023 to 20 in 2024. This increase coincides with significant political shifts in the nation following the election of President Bernardo Arévalo, who pledged to combat corruption, address inequality, and rectify historical discrimination against Indigenous Peoples after years of democratic erosion and corruption. Researchers note that an increase in killings frequently accompanies major political transitions; for example, Colombia and the Philippines both saw upticks in attacks against defenders following the elections of authoritarian presidents Ivan Duque in 2018 and Rodrigo Duterte in 2016.
The report is released amidst significant shifts in global environmental and human rights policies—including the U.S.’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the Human Rights Council, and the E.U.’s of rules designed to protect human rights and the environment.
“Advocating against injustice should never lead to a death sentence,” stated Laura Furones, the report’s lead author, in a press release. “It is vital that governments and corporations alter their course to uphold defenders’ rights and offer them protection instead of persecution. We urgently need defenders to keep our planet secure. If we neglect them, we jeopardize our future.”
