Colombia and Brazil deadliest countries for environmental activists, report says

According to a new report released by the advocacy group Global Witness, Colombia and Brazil remained the most dangerous countries in the world for environmental and land defenders throughout 2025. The data indicates that these two nations accounted for 52% of the total recorded killings of activists globally during the year.

The report highlights the ongoing risks faced by individuals working to protect natural resources, indigenous territories, and ecosystems from industrial exploitation and illegal land grabbing. Global Witness has long documented the correlation between the defense of environmental rights and high levels of violence, particularly in regions where state presence is limited and economic interests in mining, logging, and agriculture are significant.

While the report provides a stark look at the human cost of environmental advocacy, it also serves as a call to action for international bodies to increase protections for activists. The findings underscore the systemic challenges in Latin America, where environmental defenders often face threats from armed groups, criminal organizations, and local power structures. The report is expected to fuel ongoing debates regarding the implementation of the Escazú Agreement, a regional treaty aimed at protecting environmental human rights defenders in Latin America and the Caribbean.