A devastating new report from Global Witness reveals that 196 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2023, bringing the total to 2,106 defenders murdered worldwide between 2012 and 2023. These individuals, who courageously stood up to protect their land, communities, and the planet, were met with violence, intimidation, and death. This alarming trend is a direct threat to democracy and human rights, as those who speak out are being silenced with brutal force. Let's honour them as we celebrate the International Day of Democracy on September 15th.
Some key statistics:
196 defenders were killed in 2023 alone with 166 killings occurring in Latin America.
A total of 2,106 defenders were murdered globally between 2012 and 2023.
Colombia had the highest number of killings in 2023, with 79 defenders murdered —the highest ever recorded in a single year
49% of global murders involved Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendants.
Mining was the largest industry driver, responsible for 25 killings in 2023, with 23 of those happening in Latin America.
The violence isn’t limited to Latin America. Around the world, defenders face increasing repression, from criminalisation and intimidation to enforced disappearances. The report also highlights troubling trends in the UK, Europe, and the US, where laws are being weaponised against environmental activists.
Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, at least 1,500 defenders have been killed globally.
As the climate crisis escalates, the defenders of our planet are under siege. Governments must act decisively to protect these individuals and address the root causes of violence for example defunding fossil fuels and slowing deforestation. Without them, the fight for climate justice, and democracy itself stands at risk.
Find below a video about two Mexican activists who have disappeared
https://youtu.be/5gVVTnchnI8?si=v1xgeGIW_LcAn5os
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16 w
It's sad to note they are killing the messager than protecting them.
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These are planet Earth's heroes and heroines.
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The escalating violence against environmental defenders, with over 2,100 killed since 2012, highlights a global crisis for democracy and human rights. Governments must urgently protect these defenders and tackle the root causes of conflict, including deforestation and harmful extractive industries. Clearly, all our lives are in danger
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Dear Sarah Chabane Your climate love has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to Global Witness by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time
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We must do more to protect those who protect our planet
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@dickson_mutai I second. Protecting environmental defenders is crucial for preserving democracy and ensuring the safety of those fighting for our planet's future. Increased global action and support are needed to safeguard these brave individuals and their vital work.
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This is a stark warning about the rising threats to democracy & human rights, as those protecting the planet face deadly consequences!
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That some corporations find violence to be a reasonable method to protect their revenue just shows how fossil fuels are far too profitable and how much governments look away from this problem. Terrifying.