Environmental Defenders Remain Among World’s Most Targeted Activists

Environmental and Indigenous rights defenders were among the most targeted human rights advocates in 2025, according to a new report. This trend persists despite significant international court rulings that have reinforced governmental responsibilities to safeguard both the environment and its protectors. The report details how these defenders are increasingly facing coordinated opposition from interconnected groups, including government officials, corporations, criminal organizations, and private security firms. These overlapping networks create complex challenges for individuals working to protect natural resources and uphold environmental justice. The findings highlight a critical gap between legal affirmations of environmental rights and the on-the-ground realities faced by those on the front lines of conservation efforts. The report underscores the urgent need for enhanced protection mechanisms and accountability for those who target environmental defenders.