Colombia experiences an unprecedented surge in the killing of environmental activists.
In 2023, approximately 200 environmental advocates worldwide lost their lives due to their activism, as per the data compiled by the organization Global Witness. Among these fatalities, over 85% occurred in Latin America, making it the most perilous region for individuals promoting environmental preservation and land rights. The four nations with the highest incidences of such incidents last year were Colombia, Brazil, Honduras, and Mexico, with Colombia leading the count with 79 recorded deaths, a record high since the initial report in 2012.
The majority of these murders in Colombia occurred in the southwestern part of the country, with organized crime believed to be involved in at least half of the cases. Brazil reported 25 casualties, and Honduras, despite having a smaller population, had the highest murder rate for environmental activists, with 18 individuals falling victim to this violence, including a father and his 15-year-old son.
Asia's most hazardous country for environmental activists was identified as the Philippines, with 17 deaths last year, as per Global Witness. The region also saw an increased number of activist kidnappings. In Africa, the organization reported only four such incidents, but given the poor information accessibility, the actual count is likely much higher.
Global Witness voices concerns over intensified surveillance in the West
Global Witness expressed concerns over the Western countries' trend towards more stringent surveillance and penalties for environmental and climate protest activities. Activists in the European Union, in particular, are subjected to "draconian levels of surveillance", and the penalties for protest activities have reportedly risen in Britain and the United States.
Global Witness urged global governments to take "decisive action" to safeguard environmental activists, who perform essential work for the greater good. Report author Laura Furones stated, "We cannot afford and should not tolerate the loss of more lives."
The high danger for environmental activists in South America is evident, with Colombia being the deadliest country in the region, followed by Brazil and Honduras. Theimportance of protecting environmental advocates in South America, just like in other perilous regions, cannot be overstated.
