Alarming Rise in Violence Against Environmental Defenders: A Global Crisis

A recent report by Global Witness reveals that the killings of over 2,100 land and environmental defenders in the past decade are merely “the tip of a very, very big iceberg,” according to Laura Furones, the lead author, Anadolu Agency revealed yesterday.

The organization documented 196 murders in 2023, an increase from 177 in 2022, pushing the total fatalities from 2012 to 2023 to 2,106.

Furones emphasizes that these figures reflect a “very, very worrying picture,” noting that the violence against activists is escalating alongside the climate crisis. Latin America is identified as the deadliest region, with Colombia recording 461 murders and Brazil 401. Other countries with significant fatalities include the Philippines (298), Mexico (203), and India (86).

The report highlights that murders are just one aspect of the dangers faced by defenders, which also include harassment, criminalization, and sexual violence. Furones states, “Murders are just the most brutal form of attacks,” underscoring the various tactics used to silence activists.

While most killings occur in the Global South, Furones warns that activists in the Global North are increasingly being criminalized for peaceful protests. She cites new laws in the U.S. and EU that treat demonstrators as criminals, alongside “gagging laws” in Europe aimed at silencing defenders.

Furones calls for urgent action from governments to protect activists and hold perpetrators accountable, stressing that impunity remains a significant challenge. She advocates for preventive measures to create safer environments for defenders and to uphold freedom of expression and media freedom, which are currently compromised in many contexts.