A new report highlights Colombia as the deadliest country for environmental defenders, escalating concerns about global supply chains and human rights.
Story Highlights
- Colombia recorded the highest number of environmental defender killings globally in 2023 and 2024.
- Armed groups and criminal networks threaten activists in regions like the Amazon.
- Despite peace accords, structural violence and impunity persist.
- Global Witness calls for stronger protections under international agreements.
Colombia Tops the List for Defender Killings
Colombia has been named the deadliest country for environmental defenders for three consecutive years, according to Global Witness. In 2023, the nation accounted for 79 out of 196 global defender killings, a staggering 40% of the total. The 2024 figures remain concerning, with 48 defenders killed, again placing Colombia at the top of the list. These alarming statistics underscore the perilous conditions faced by those protecting land, forests, and community rights in the region.
Environmental and land defenders in Colombia’s Amazon and conflict-affected regions continue to face threats from armed groups and criminal networks. These actors are often tied to illegal mining, agribusiness, logging, and coca cultivation, making these areas particularly dangerous for activists. Despite a peace accord signed in 2016, the power vacuum left in rural territories has become a hotbed for violence against defenders, exacerbating the already dire situation.
Paradox of Protection and Impunity
The Colombian government’s public commitment to environmental and human rights stands in stark contrast to the ongoing violence against defenders. This paradox highlights the entrenched structural violence and impunity that persist despite official rhetoric. The Escazú Agreement, a regional treaty aimed at protecting environmental defenders, has yet to be fully implemented, leaving activists vulnerable and unprotected.
Colombia’s constitution recognizes Indigenous and Afro-descendant territorial rights, yet enforcement remains weak. This has led to a high level of impunity for attacks on defenders, with judicial bodies widely criticized for their inaction. Meanwhile, armed groups continue to control territories, dictating what community leaders can say or do, further complicating the situation.
Global and Local Implications
The ongoing violence against defenders in Colombia has far-reaching implications. On a global scale, it raises critical questions about the responsibility of international companies and investors involved in projects that may be linked to these crimes. Advocates are calling for stronger human rights due diligence in global supply chains to prevent complicity in such violence.
'It’s not safe to live here.' #Colombia is deadliest country for environmental defendershttps://t.co/n729YZzwC7
— Congress of Nations and States (@cnsintl) December 9, 2025
Locally, the impact is devastating for Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendant communities, and small-scale farmers, who are often the primary victims. Their efforts to conserve ecosystems and uphold land rights are crucial for climate mitigation and adaptation. However, the ongoing threats and killings jeopardize these efforts, potentially leading to ecological degradation and increased climate risks.
Sources:
Land and Environmental Defenders in Colombia
Colombia: The Deadliest Country for Environmental Defenders
The Struggle of Environmental Defenders
146 Land and Environmental Defenders Killed Globally in 2024
