RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Brazil is the fourth most murderous country in the world for environmental activists, according to the annual report of the NGO Global Witness published Tuesday, July 30th. There were at least 20 victims in 2018. The Philippines holds the highest number of deaths in the world: 30 murders of people defending the environment.
Around the world, 164 environmental activists were killed for defending their homes, lands, and natural resources against mining, forestry, and agro-industrial projects. On average, three people were killed every week last year. More than half of these cases occurred in Latin America.
The document points out that “countless” other activists have experienced violence, intimidation, and the adoption or amendment of anti-protest laws. Mining was the most lethal sector, with 41 people murdered for protesting the effects of illegal extraction.
The Philippines replaced Brazil, which had been the leader in the death toll in 2017. Colombia ranks second, with 24 deaths last year, and India ranks third, with 23. On the other hand, Guatemala, with 16 confirmed murders, is the country with the most deaths per inhabitant.
“It’s a phenomenon that can be seen in every part of the world. The protectors of the environment and the land, a significant number of whom are representatives of indigenous peoples, are considered terrorists, criminals or offenders for defending their rights,” said Vicky Tauli-Corpuz, special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples of the United Nations (UN) in her report. “This violence poses a crisis for human rights, but also a threat to all those who depend on a stable climate.”
The number of deaths fell, compared to 2017, which was the most lethal year when 207 victims were recorded. Global Witness points out that the figures for last year may be understated, mainly because some crimes occur in very remote locations.
The organization also denounces a “troubling trend” concerning the intimidation and imprisonment of environmentalists.
The report also denounces the role of investors in controversial projects, including development banks, and mentions some companies accused of easing the violation of rights.