During Earth Week, WhoWhatWhy.org highlights the ongoing threats faced by human rights activists and environmental defenders. In 2022, 401 activists were killed, with 48% working to protect land, environmental, and Indigenous rights. Frontline Defenders, an international human rights organization, reports that Latin America is the deadliest region for these defenders, particularly in Colombia, which accounted for 46% of all killings. Conflicts over land, water, and pipelines continue to put these activists at risk, with powerful governments and businesses using police, military, and private security to undermine their efforts. Despite the risks, environmental and human rights defenders persist in their fight for justice.
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