At least 177 environmental defenders were killed around the world in 2022, including around 60 in Colombia

A terrible record, again. At least 177 environmental defenders were murdered in 2022 around the world, according to the annual report by the NGO Global Witness, published Tuesday September 12. Although this overall figure is slightly lower than the previous year (200 deaths)“the situation has not improved substantially” worldwide and the average of one activist killed every two days has remained stable, commented the British organization. “Once again, indigenous peoples, communities of African origin, small farmers and environmental defenders have been hit hard in this South American country”.

In 2022, Latin America represented 88% of these 177 victims worldwide, including 60 in Colombia alone, a figure which doubled compared to 2021. Which makes it the most dangerous country for these activists: since coming to power in August 2022, left-wing President Gustavo Petro has pledged to reduce violence against these activists and other community leaders, but his actions have been insufficient according to local NGOs.

Plagued by multiple armed conflicts for half a century, Colombia has always been one of the deadliest countries in the world for environmental defenders. It is experiencing an upsurge in violence and a renewed activism of armed groups almost always involved in illegal activities (drug trafficking, mining, timber trafficking, etc.).

Elsewhere in the world, the defense of nature cost the lives of 34 people in Brazil, 31 in Mexico, 14 in Honduras, and 11 in the Philippines.