More Than 140 Environmental Defenders Killed in 2024

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September 17, 2025 | 03:38 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - At least 142 environmental advocates were killed around the world in 2024, with four more going missing, according to a report by non-governmental organization Global Witness.

Most of the victims were indigenous people or farmers, as well as activists against mining, logging, agriculture, poaching, and energy projects.

Those carrying out the attacks were mostly criminal groups, although incidents involving state security forces were also recorded.

Most of the killings remain unsolved.

Which country is most dangerous for 'environmental defenders'?

Colombia is the most dangerous country for so-called "environmental defenders," with 48 people killed, with Guatemala—20 victims—and Mexico—18 victims—the next most perilous countries.

More than 80% of the victims were in Latin America, with the current report bringing the total number of deaths recorded there since 2012 to 2,253.

While the worldwide number of deaths in 2024 fell by 28%, from 2023, Global Witness says the real number could be higher due to unreported cases.

The organization emphasized governments' role in protecting environmental defenders by investigating attacks and prosecuting the perpetrators.

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