The findings of the just-released Global Witness “Roots of Resistance” report include:
“In 2024, 146 land and environmental defenders around the world were murdered or disappeared.”
“On average, around three people were killed or disappeared each week throughout 2024. This brings the total figure to 2,253 since we started reporting on attacks in 2012.”
“Indigenous Peoples and small scale farmers are the worst affected, with 45 defenders killed or disappeared in each of these categories in 2024.”
In countries where Peace Brigades International accompanies land and environmental defenders, 102 were killed or disappeared in 2024. That represents 69.8 per cent of the global total last year.
The categories of those killed.
COLOMBIA: “Colombia remains one of the world’s deadliest countries for land and environmental defenders, with a third of all lethal attacks globally documented happening here in 2024. We recorded 48 killings across the country.”
For more, read the section on Jani Silva in Preventing attacks Living under state protection in Colombia (pages 54-63).
GUATEMALA: “Guatemala experienced a sharp increase in the number of killings, jumping from four documented cases in 2023 to 20 in 2024. This figure excludes at least three other documented attacks against land and environmental defenders, which we verified but omitted from our dataset due to fear of future reprisals against the victims’ families.”
MEXICO: “Reprisals continued in Mexico, where we documented 19 cases in 2024 – 18 killings and one disappearance.”
HONDURAS: “In Honduras we recorded six cases in 2024, compared to 18 in 2023. Five defenders were killed, while one person disappeared. …One of the killings was of renowned anti-mining activist, Juan López, who was working to protect the Guapinol and San Pedro rivers which serve water to hundreds of people.”
The report also documents killings in INDONESIA, NICARAGUA and numerous other countries.
Deadliest sectors
“Once again, mining emerged as the deadliest sector, with at least 29 related cases in 2024. Next came logging with eight cases and agribusiness with four. Road-building and infrastructure projects, poaching and hydropower have also driven deadly attacks in 2024.”
Perpetrators of violence against defenders
“Just under a third of all cases we recorded last year were linked to organised crime. …States are also active perpetrators of violence, with armed forces, police and other government entities linked to 17 killings. Investigating reprisals against defenders is further complicated by the frequent connections between organised crime, government and corporate interests.”
Those responsible for the killing of defenders (2012 to 2024).
United Nations COP30 climate conference, November 10 to 21
“The protection and meaningful participation of land and environmental defenders at COP30 and beyond is an essential element of the fight against climate change. It must become a core principle of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity process.”
“UNFCCC parties and the secretariat must commit to a systemic, long-term approach that prioritises the recognition, protection and participation of land and environmental defenders.”
Among its recommendations, Global Witness says UNFCCC Parties should:
“Champion defender-focused language in COP outcomes, securing explicit commitments to defender protection and participation. Formally and publicly recognise the role of land and environmental defenders in advancing climate solutions and justice and acknowledge the violence they face globally.”
To read the full report, go to Roots of resistance: Documenting the global struggles of defenders protecting land and environmental rights (September 17, 2025).
