196 environmental defenders murdered in 2023, Colombia tops list

The British human rights organisation Global Witness has published its annual report on violence against environmental defenders. The figures are once again shocking: at least 196 environmental human rights defenders were murdered worldwide in 2023. The report, called Missing Voices: The Violent Erasure of Land and Environmental Defenders, reveals the threats, attacks and murders these defenders face while trying to protect nature and their communities. The findings shed light on the global failure to secure the rights of conservationists and protect them from violence.

With COP16 approaching, we reflect on the Global Witness report and the opportunity of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) for the protection of environmental human rights defenders. ‘COP16 in Cali offers a crucial opportunity to convey a powerful message: it is possible to live in peace with nature, while recognising and protecting the intrinsic connection of people and the environment,’ says Liliana Jauregui, senior expert environmental justice at IUCN NL. 

Crucial role of environmental defenders

The Global Witness report highlights the indispensable role of environmental defenders in protecting our planet. They are committed to conserving forests, rivers, oceans and other crucial ecosystems – vital areas in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. Indigenous people play a vital role in this: they manage a third of the world’s protected areas and protect as much as 80% of the remaining biodiversity. Their knowledge and involvement are crucial for sustainable solutions, but they are often targets of violence because they oppose economic interests such as mining, agriculture and logging. In 2023, 43% of the conservationists killed were Indigenous peoples.

Colombia tops list

For environmental human rights defenders, Latin America is the most dangerous region, where 85% of killings take place, according to Global Witness’ report. Colombia continues to have the highest number of defender killed. In 2023, 79 activists were murdered in Colombia, accounting for over a third of global victims. Again, these are often Indigenous people, as well as defenders from Afro-Colombian communities and farmers aiming to protect their land amd the environment from mining, logging and large-scale agricultural projects.

According to Global Witness, the situation in Colombia has worsened as armed groups and criminal organisations increasingly exert power in rural areas. Those who resist, often become victims of intimidation, violence and even murder.

‘The global fight for the rights of these people is an urgent issue that requires action at local, regional and international levels.’

• Liliana Jauregui, senior expert environmental justice

COP16: a crucial opportunity

In October 2024, the Colombian city of Cali will host the 16^th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the CBD. An important event for biodiversity worldwide, but also for the protection of environmental and human rights defenders. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), signed by 196 countries, recognises that defenders play a key role in biodiversity conservation. The theme of COP16 is “Peace with Nature”.

‘COP16 in Cali offers a crucial opportunity to convey a powerful message: it is possible to live in peace with nature, while recognising and protecting the intrinsic connection of people and the environment,’ says Liliana Jauregui.

Global problem

Not only in Colombia, but around the world, environmental human rights defenders face violence. Latin America remains the most dangerous region, with countries such as Colombia, Mexico, Brazil and Honduras leading the way. But attacks on environmental defenders are also on the rise in Asia and Africa, and are usually related to mining, illegal logging and/or land expropriation. Too often, these attacks have little or no consequences. ‘The global fight for the rights of these people is an urgent issue that requires action at local, regional and international levels,’ Jauregui states.

Supporting conservationists South America

IUCN NL is committed to the safety of conservationists as part of our Forests for a Just Future and PIDDA projects. In addition, together with our Amazon rights in focus partners, we aim to combat deforestation and forest crime in the Colombian Amazon.