Colombia and Brazil jointly account for 52 percent of all environmental activist killings worldwide in 2025, according to a new report from Global Witness. The findings underscore the escalating dangers faced by land and environmental defenders across Latin America. The report, released Tuesday, documents 196 killings globally, with 102 occurring in these two nations. Activists, Indigenous leaders, and community organizers remain the most vulnerable targets.
Report Highlights Deadly Pattern Across Latin America
The Global Witness report, compiled from official records and local NGO data, reveals that Colombia recorded 54 killings and Brazil 48 during 2025. These figures mark a slight increase from the previous year, continuing a troubling decade-long trend. The report emphasizes that most victims were defending land rights, opposing illegal mining, or resisting deforestation. Many killings occurred in remote regions where state presence remains minimal.
Analysts note that the concentration of violence in these two countries reflects deeper systemic issues. Weak law enforcement, entrenched economic interests, and the expansion of extractive industries all contribute to the threat environment. The report calls for urgent international pressure on both governments to protect environmental defenders. It also highlights the disproportionate impact on Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities who often lead resistance efforts.
Colombia's Challenges in Protecting Land Defenders
Colombia's 54 killings represent a persistent crisis despite the 2016 peace agreement that aimed to reduce violence in rural areas. Post-conflict dynamics have created vacuums filled by armed groups engaged in illegal mining and drug trafficking. These groups frequently target community leaders who oppose their operations. The government's response has been criticized as insufficient, with limited prosecutions and ongoing impunity.
The report notes that many killings occur in regions rich in natural resources, including gold, coal, and timber. Activists working to protect water sources and forests face particular risks. Local organizations have documented threats against women environmental defenders, who often face gender-based violence alongside physical attacks. International human rights bodies have repeatedly urged Colombia to strengthen protective measures for activists.
Brazil's Amazon Deforestation Conflict Intensifies
Brazil's 48 killings concentrate heavily in the Amazon region, where illegal logging and land grabbing remain rampant. The report indicates that cattle ranching expansion and soy production continue to drive deforestation, creating conflict zones. Indigenous territories are especially affected, with community members facing violent opposition when asserting their land rights. Environmental enforcement agencies acknowledge resource constraints in addressing these threats.
The Brazilian government has announced new initiatives to combat environmental crime, including satellite monitoring and increased federal presence in critical areas. However, the report argues that these efforts have not yet translated into reduced violence on the ground. The pace of land regularization remains slow, leaving many communities in legal limbo and vulnerable to intimidation. State-level officials have called for more federal support.
Global Response and Call for Accountability
The report's release has prompted renewed calls from international advocacy groups for stronger protections under the Escazú Agreement, a regional treaty on environmental rights. Both Colombia and Brazil are signatories, yet implementation has been uneven. The treaty requires states to guarantee a safe environment for environmental defenders. Civil society organizations urge governments to adopt concrete action plans with measurable benchmarks.
Industry analysts note that corporate due diligence standards are also under scrutiny. Companies sourcing commodities from high-risk regions face growing pressure to verify that their supply chains do not contribute to violence. Some multinational firms have begun implementing stricter monitoring protocols. However, the report suggests that voluntary measures are insufficient without binding regulations and judicial accountability.
The international community has also been urged to use trade agreements and diplomatic channels to push for reform. The United States and European Union have raised concerns about the situation in bilateral dialogues. Yet, the report emphasizes that meaningful change must come from domestic political will and institutional capacity building. Sustainable development goals cannot be achieved without safeguarding those who protect the environment.
Economic and Social Impact of Activist Killings
The killings have profound economic and social consequences beyond the immediate loss of life. Communities lose experienced leaders who coordinate collective action and negotiate with authorities. This disruption often weakens local governance and allows illegal activities to expand unchecked. The report estimates that environmental crime generates billions in illicit revenue, which often funds further violence and corruption.
Socially, the killings create a climate of fear that deters others from speaking out. Witnesses frequently face threats, and families of victims report inadequate state support. Psychological trauma extends across entire communities, undermining social cohesion and resilience. The report calls for comprehensive victim assistance programs and psychological support services. Long-term recovery requires addressing both physical security and broader community well-being.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
Looking ahead, the report urges Colombia and Brazil to prioritize the protection of environmental defenders as a national security issue. Specific recommendations include establishing specialized prosecutor units, enhancing witness protection programs, and ensuring timely investigations. The report also calls for independent oversight of land titling processes and greater transparency in resource licensing. These measures could help break cycles of violence.
International financial institutions and development banks are also urged to condition funding on demonstrated progress in protecting activists. Climate finance mechanisms should include safeguards that benefit frontline defenders. The report emphasizes that global climate goals depend on the safety of those who preserve forests and ecosystems. Without immediate action, the death toll is likely to remain at alarming levels.
The findings serve as a stark reminder that environmental protection is inherently linked to human rights and security. As the world grapples with climate change, the role of activists becomes ever more critical. The report concludes with a call for solidarity across borders, urging governments, corporations, and citizens to demand accountability. Only through sustained pressure can the tide of violence be reversed.
