Colombia and Brazil deadliest countries for environmental activists, report says

What the report says

Global Witness says Colombia and Brazil were the deadliest countries for environmental and land defenders in 2025, with the two nations responsible for 52% of the killings recorded worldwide. The campaign group documented at least 124 killings globally, including 39 in Colombia and 26 in Brazil, according to the report covered by BBC World News.

BBC reported that 85% of the killings took place in Latin America, which Global Witness says has been the most dangerous region for environmental activists every year since it began publishing the annual findings in 2012. The group said many of the deaths were linked to land conflicts, and in a number of cases involved hitmen or organised crime groups. In Colombia, nearly half of those killed were from indigenous communities, while many others were small-scale farmers.

The article also noted that indigenous groups in Colombia have set up unarmed protection patrols, known as indigenous guards, but these communities are often targeted by illegal armed groups seeking control of land, coca-growing areas or illegal mining sites. BBC also highlighted the recent killing of Jacob Guachetá Zambrano in Cauca, though the motive remains under investigation.

Global Witness said Brazil saw a sharp rise in killings compared with 2024, while the Philippines was the most affected country outside Latin America. The group cautioned that the real number of killings may be higher because some cases go unreported.