Colombia has become the deadliest country for environmental activists, with at least 196 people killed last year while defending the environment, according to a report by Global Witness. This surge in violence poses significant political challenges for the Colombian administration as it prepares to host the global biodiversity conference, COP16, in October.

Colombia's Deadliest Country:
Colombia led the grim statistics with 79 deaths of environmentalists and activists, an increase of 19 from the previous year.

Brazil's Follows Second:
Brazil followed as the second most lethal nation, with 25 reported killings.

Indigenous and Afro-Descendant Communities:
Nearly half of the slain activists were Indigenous individuals, with many also belonging to Afro-descendant communities or being small-scale farmers.

Global Witness Report:
The report highlights the perilous nature of environmental protection, emphasizing the need for safeguarding untouched ecosystems to mitigate climate change and halt biodiversity decline.

Colombia's escalating violence against environmental defenders, particularly Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, underscores the urgent need for protection and safety measures. The country's upcoming hosting of COP16 underscores the political challenges and international scrutiny surrounding these issues.

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