In a harrowing report released by the U.K.-based advocacy group Global Witness, it was revealed that at least 196 environmental defenders were murdered in 2023. This tragic figure highlights the increasing violence faced by those who stand up against land grabs, pollution, and the exploitative practices of extractive industries. Indigenous people, who are disproportionately targeted, face heightened risks due to their resistance to mining, land seizures, and other extractive ventures.

The report, which covers 22 countries, underscores a disturbing trend: on average, at least three individuals were killed every week in 2023 simply for defending the environment. This year’s data shows a stark reality where environmental defenders are increasingly threatened, and violence against them is escalating.

Colombia at the Epicenter of Violence

Colombia emerged as the most dangerous country for environmental defenders in 2023, with 79 reported murders. This figure represents the highest number of killings in a single country since Global Witness began tracking such incidents in 2012. The violence in Colombia is deeply rooted in conflicts over land and resources, with many defenders being targeted as they oppose projects that threaten their communities and the environment.

The report highlights that Colombia has surpassed previous records for defender killings, reflecting the severe and often deadly consequences faced by those opposing land exploitation and resource extraction.

A Disproportionate Impact on Indigenous Defenders

The report reveals a particularly alarming statistic: Indigenous defenders, despite comprising only 6% of the global population, accounted for approximately 43% of the defenders killed in 2023. This disproportionate impact is attributed to the fact that Indigenous communities often live in biodiverse regions that are rich in minerals and fossil fuels. These areas are frequently targeted by companies and governments seeking to exploit their natural resources.

Indigenous defenders are frequently on the front lines of struggles to protect their land from mining operations, deforestation, and other forms of environmental degradation. Their high risk is compounded by the frequent lack of legal protection and the frequent marginalization of their rights.

Global Trends and the Role of Mining

Mining has been identified as the sector most frequently linked to the killings of environmental defenders. According to the report, 25 defenders were murdered in 2023 specifically for opposing mining activities. The demand for traditionally mined materials such as gold, coal, and iron, as well as the growing need for minerals and metals used in low-carbon technologies like batteries, exacerbates the risks faced by defenders.

The report criticizes the mining industry for failing to learn from past mistakes and continuing to operate in ways that provoke social conflict and violence. This ongoing trend suggests a bleak future for environmental defenders as demand for resources continues to drive aggressive and often violent extraction practices.

Harassment and Criminalization

Beyond murder, environmental defenders face a range of other dangerous tactics aimed at silencing and intimidating them. The report details how defenders are subjected to harassment, criminalization, and smear campaigns. These tactics are employed by businesses, governments, and criminal groups to discredit defenders and undermine their efforts.

Criminalization has emerged as a particularly prevalent method of repression. Governments and corporations often use defamation, terrorism, and other legal tools to target defenders, portraying them as obstacles to development or even as communists. This strategy of criminalization aligns with broader trends of democratic backsliding, where civil and political rights are increasingly restricted.

The Role of Corruption and Legal System Failures

The Global Witness report also points to systemic issues such as corruption and dysfunctional legal systems that contribute to the violence faced by environmental defenders. In many cases, the perpetrators of violence go unpunished due to compromised civic spaces and weak legal frameworks.

Families of murdered defenders often find themselves in a prolonged quest for justice, with many never achieving closure or receiving adequate protection. The report underscores how these systemic failures not only perpetuate violence but also obscure the truth about the sacrifices made by environmental defenders.

Unacknowledged Sacrifices

The report concludes with a poignant acknowledgment of the uncounted and unnamed defenders who have sacrificed their lives in the struggle to protect the environment. The truth about their stories remains obscured, and their contributions are frequently unrecognized.

As the report highlights, the dangers faced by environmental defenders are deeply intertwined with broader issues of corporate greed, corruption, and the erosion of democratic freedoms. The ongoing violence against those who fight for environmental and human rights serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for greater protection and support for these courageous individuals.

The findings of this report shed light on the critical role played by environmental defenders and underscore the need for a concerted global effort to safeguard their lives and amplify their voices. The sacrifices of these defenders should not be in vain, and their stories must be told to inspire action and drive change.