Global killings of land and environmental defenders in 2016

Global Witness, the author of the report, Defenders of the Earth, showcases their research on the 200 land and environmental defenders’ deaths in 2016. The increasing suppression of environmental and land rights activism in many countries is spreading, and their right to physical protest is typically the only form of protest available that does not leave a financial burden on the people. This tide of violence is driven by an intensifying fight for land and natural resources, as mining, logging, hydro-electric and agricultural companies trample on people and the environment in their pursuit of profit. As more and more extractive projects were imposed on communities, many of those who dared to speak out and defend their rights were brutally silenced. The report states the context and reasons behind defenders’ deaths and proposes solutions for safe activism.

Please read the full report here.