Global Witness Report Details Colombia and Brazil Account for Half of 2025 Activist Killings

Colombia and Brazil collectively accounted for 52% of all environmental activist killings recorded in 2025, according to a recent analysis by Global Witness. This figure positions the two nations at the forefront of a global pattern of violence against individuals defending their land and natural resources, often in opposition to resource extraction and agricultural expansion projects.

Latin America Remains Epicentre of Violence

Latin America continues to be the deadliest region for environmental defenders, a trend that Global Witness has consistently documented. The report details a landscape where indigenous communities and local activists frequently confront powerful economic interests, including mining, logging, and agribusiness, which are often backed by state apparatus or complicit in their inaction.

The findings illuminate the severe risks associated with environmental advocacy, particularly in contexts where governance is weak and the rule of law selectively applied. Critics argue that Western demand for raw materials often underpins the very industries that drive deforestation and resource exploitation, indirectly contributing to the violence. Furthermore, the persistent violence against activists highlights the broader failure of states to protect their citizens, especially those challenging the status quo for ecological preservation.