Colombia Tops Global Witness List for Most Dangerous Country for Environmentalists in 2023
In a shocking revelation, Colombia was declared the deadliest country for environmentalists and land rights defenders in 2023, with a total of 79 individuals killed, according to UK advocacy group Global Witness. This record-breaking figure is the highest ever reported by Global Witness for a single country in a given year since monitoring began in 2012.
Despite President Gustavo Petro’s promises to address the country’s 60-year conflict and promote environmental justice, Colombia continues to struggle with violence against environmental activists. The government acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, attributing it to socio-ecological conflicts associated with drug trafficking and extractive practices.
The findings have sparked outrage and concern among human rights groups and government officials alike. The global community is closely monitoring Colombia’s efforts to address the issue and prevent further environmental tragedies.
As the host nation for the United Nations COP16 biodiversity conference, Colombia faces immense pressure to prioritize the protection of environmental defenders and promote sustainable development practices. The world is watching to see if Colombia can live up to its commitment to environmental conservation and justice.
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