Colombia and Brazil Rank as Most Dangerous for Environmental Advocates

WHO:

BBC - Indigenous leaders reported on the situation regarding environmental activists.

WHAT:

BBC - Colombia and Brazil accounted for 52% of killings of environmental activists in 2025, according to Global Witness.

BBC - Murders, threats, and forced disappearances of environmental activists are common in the area.

WHERE:

BBC - Colombia and Brazil are identified as the deadliest countries for environmental activists.

WHY:

BBC - The possible motive behind the murder of environmental activists is under investigation, with illegal armed groups battling for territory being a contributing factor.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 02:13 UTC)

Indigenous leaders have reported alarming statistics regarding environmental activists, revealing that Colombia and Brazil accounted for fifty-two percent of killings of these individuals in 2025, according to Global Witness. The situation is dire, as murders, threats, and forced disappearances of environmental activists are common in these regions, making Colombia and Brazil the deadliest countries for such advocates. Investigations are ongoing into the motives behind these murders, with illegal armed groups fighting for territory being a significant contributing factor.