142 environmental advocates killed globally in 2024, down from previous year

Global Witness reports that at least 142 environmental advocates were killed worldwide in 2024, with four more missing.

Colombia is identified as the most dangerous country for environmental defenders, with 48 killings, followed by Guatemala and Mexico.

Most of the victims were indigenous people or farmers targeted for opposing mining, logging, agriculture, poaching, and energy projects.

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

The Philippines, which was previously highlighted as Asia's deadliest country for environmental defenders for 12 consecutive years, recorded eight killings or disappearances in 2024, a decrease from seventeen in 2023.

Although a majority of attacks in the Philippines were linked to government bodies, including the military, the new report indicates that criminal groups were mostly responsible for attacks globally.

Most of the killings globally remain unsolved, and Global Witness emphasized governments' role in protecting environmental defenders by investigating and prosecuting perpetrators.