Latin America Remains the Most Dangerous Region for Environmental Defenders

Latin America continues to stand as the most perilous region for individuals defending land and environmental rights. According to a new report by Global Witness, the region accounted for 85% of all verified killings of such defenders worldwide in 2025. This statistic underscores a persistent pattern that has remained largely unchanged since the organization began tracking these incidents in 2012, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by those protecting natural resources and communal lands.

While the total number of verified global deaths decreased to 124 from 142 in 2024 and 196 in 2023, experts caution against interpreting this solely as an improvement. Toby Hill, the lead author of the report, noted that figures may be underestimated due to increasing repression and authoritarian contexts that make investigations more difficult. In many areas, killings go unreported, suggesting that the true scale of violence may be higher than the official data indicates.

Colombia Continues to Face High Violence

Colombia recorded the highest number of murders, with 39 deaths confirmed in 2025. Although this is a decrease from 48 in 2024 and the historic high of 79 in 2023, the country remains at the top of the deadliest list. Nearly half of the victims were Indigenous people, while 15 were smallholder farmers. The report highlights that 35 of these deaths were directly linked to land conflicts, with organized crime implicated in 17 cases.

The department of Cauca emerged as the most violent area within Colombia, registering 13 killings, including four members of an Indigenous guard. Since 2012, 171 killings related to environmental and land defense have been documented in this region alone. Hill attributed the lethality to the region's position in cocaine trafficking networks, noting that the presence of organized crime often leads to more severe reprisals against defenders.

Sharp Increases in Brazil and Honduras

Brazil and Honduras both experienced a doubling of their murder rates compared to the previous year. Brazil recorded 26 deaths, while Honduras saw 12. This surge marks a significant deterioration in safety for activists in both nations. The report indicates that these countries share a common trend of increasing violence, which contrasts with the slight global decline in verified cases.

In Honduras, the rise in fatalities is particularly concerning given the country's existing high risk profile. Similarly, in Brazil, the increase reflects growing tensions over extractive industries and land rights. These trends suggest that while some regions may see different dynamics, the overall pressure on defenders in Latin America is intensifying, driven by economic interests and political instability.

Drivers of Conflict and Future Risks

Land disputes were the primary cause of death, accounting for more than half of the 124 verified killings. The remaining deaths were linked to opposition against extractive projects, including mining, logging, and agribusiness. Nearly three-quarters of the victims were Indigenous people or smallholder farmers, highlighting the disproportionate impact on these communities. The involvement of organized crime in these conflicts exacerbates the danger, as evidenced by the high number of homicides in regions controlled by such groups.

Looking ahead, the focus will be on how governments and international bodies respond to these trends. The report emphasizes the need for stronger protection mechanisms and accountability for perpetrators. As extractive industries continue to expand, the potential for conflict over land and resources is likely to persist. Observers will watch closely for any legislative changes or security initiatives that could alter the dangerous landscape for land and environmental defenders in the coming year.