Defenders Slain: Latin America Bloodiest Region

Last year, at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed globally, with Latin America accounting for a stark 85% of these deaths. Colombia was the deadliest nation for the fourth year running, recording 39 killings, followed by Brazil with 26. These individuals, who protect territories from mining, logging, and agribusiness, frequently face threats that put Indigenous populations and small-scale farmers at risk.

While the global toll fell for the second consecutive year, the report cautions that killings remain significantly underreported. Land disputes, organized crime, and resource competition increasingly converge in vulnerable regions. Last year, 105 killings occurred in Latin America, with Brazil experiencing a sharp increase, more than doubling its previous year's figures. The Philippines recorded the highest number of deaths outside Latin America with 12.

More than three-quarters of those killed were Indigenous people, small-scale farmers, or Afro-descendants. Land disputes were linked to over half the global killings, with mining and extractive industries also a significant factor. In Colombia, nearly half of the defenders killed were Indigenous or small-scale farmers, with many deaths tied to land conflicts and suspected links to organized crime.