Wed Sep 17 06:32:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten news article based on it:

**Summary:**

A Global Witness report released on September 16, 2025, reveals that nearly 150 land and environmental defenders were murdered or disappeared worldwide in 2024. While this figure is a decrease from 2023, underreporting remains a significant issue, making it difficult to assess the true state of affairs. Latin America is identified as the most dangerous region, with Colombia being the deadliest country for these defenders due to conflict related to drug trafficking and illegal mining. Guatemala, Mexico, Brazil, and the Philippines follow, each reporting significant numbers of killings and disappearances.

**News Article:**

**The Hindu: Colombia Remains World’s Deadliest Country for Environmental Defenders, Global Report Finds**

**Bogota, Colombia – September 17, 2025:** A new report by Global Witness paints a grim picture of the dangers faced by environmental and land defenders worldwide, revealing that nearly 150 individuals were murdered or disappeared in 2024. While the global figure of 146 represents a decrease from 196 in 2023, the advocacy group warns against complacency, citing widespread underreporting as a major concern.

Latin America continues to be the most perilous region for those protecting land and the environment. Colombia topped the list, recording 48 killings in 2024. The report attributes this to the ongoing conflict between drug cartels, guerrilla groups, and paramilitaries vying for control over drug territories and lucrative trafficking routes. “Activities ranging from drug trafficking to illegal mining affect areas rich in biodiversity” in Colombia, the report stated.

Defenders, who include farmers, Indigenous people, journalists, lawyers, and rangers, are often targeted for their efforts to protect land from illegal grazing, mining, and other forms of exploitation.

Following Colombia, Guatemala reported 20 killings and forced disappearances, while Mexico recorded 19, Brazil 12, and the Philippines 8.

The Global Witness report underscores the urgent need for governments and international bodies to provide better protection for environmental and land defenders, ensuring their safety and holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

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