global
Global Witness Report Identifies Colombia and Brazil as Deadliest Countries for Environmental Activists
Just the facts
The Global Witness report documented that Colombia and Brazil together accounted for 52 percent of all killings of environmental activists recorded globally during 2025. Researchers highlighted that land defenders in both nations faced severe risks from armed groups, illegal resource extraction, and disputes over property rights. The advocacy organization called on international bodies and national governments to establish binding legal protections and investigate violence directed at land rights defenders.
Why this is news
International advocacy group Global Witness released an annual report documenting fatal violence against land and environmental defenders worldwide.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.