press release
For every killing of an Indigenous, land and environmental defender in 2022, at least 5 non-lethal attacks took place
Defenders speaking out against harms caused by large-scale mining and industrial agriculture are most at risk, making up 64.4% of attacks
[10 Dec, 2024] - Defending land and environmental rights is increasingly perilous, according to a new report from the International Land Coalition. The 2024 Hidden Iceberg Report uses ALLIED data to expose the alarming rise of non-lethal violence against Indigenous, land, and environmental defenders worldwide—a pattern that too often escalates into lethal attacks.
In 2022, 177 land and environmental defenders were killed according to Global Witness. However Hidden Iceberg reveals that for every killing, at least five non-lethal attacks took place, with a total of 916 non-lethal incidents recorded. These attacks, ranging from threats, arbitrary detentions and kidnappings to physical assaults highlight a sinister trend: lethal violence is only the visible tip of a much deeper iceberg of systemic harassment and intimidation.
A growing global threat
Now in its third year, Hidden Iceberg significantly expanded its scope in 2024. In the first global effort to document non-lethal violence against defenders, it analysed data from 46 countries. Like in 2022 and 2023, Latin America – especially Colombia and Guatemala – was the most dangerous region to defend the right to land.
Indigenous Peoples under siege
Indigenous Peoples, who represent just 6% of the global population, bore the brunt of violence, accounting for 24.2% of all attacks. Many of these defenders are on the frontlines of ecosystems essential for combating the climate crisis.
Defenders opposing harms caused by large-scale mining and industrial agriculture faced the greatest risks, with these sectors linked to 64.4% of attacks globally.
About Hidden Iceberg
The Hidden Iceberg Report is a groundbreaking annual analysis that tracks the non-lethal violence against land and environmental defenders worldwide that is often a precursor to lethal attacks. Its findings highlight the systemic nature of violence and the urgent need for international action to protect those who defend our land and planet
About Us
The International Land Coalition is a global alliance of People’s Organisations, civil society and intergovernmental organisations working together to put people at the centre of land governance. The shared goal of ILC’s 300+ members is to realise land governance for and with people at the country level, responding to the needs and protecting the rights of women, men and communities who live on and from the land. For more information, visit: www.landcoatition.org
ALLIED is a global network of civil society actors that drives multi-stakeholder action and systemic change in the recognition, support, and protection of Indigenous, Land, and Environmental Defenders (ILEDs).