Press Releases

Press releases and resources for journalists from Global Witness. For general media enquiries please call + 44 (0) 7912 517 127 or email [email protected]. For enquiries about our EU campaigns please contact +32 487 80 31 61.

Press release | Sept. 14, 2023
Two Filipino environmental advocates violently abducted after opposing controversial airport project

Global Witness strongly condemns the reported abduction of Jhed Tamano (22) and Jonila Castro (21), two youth environmental advocates last seen more than a week ago in the province of Bataan, on the Philippines island of Luzon.
Press release | Sept. 13, 2023
Almost 2,000 land and environmental defenders killed between 2012 and 2022 for protecting the planet

At least 177 land and environmental defenders were killed last year for trying to protect the planet – one person every other day - according to a new report by Global Witness released today, working in collaboration with our partners globally.
Statement | Aug. 11, 2023
Joint statement on suspension of reclamation projects in Manila Bay, Philippines

Global Witness and Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment welcome news that all reclamation projects in Manila Bay are suspended, pending a government review.
Press release | Aug. 8, 2023
Amazon Summit must put environmental defenders at the heart of commitments, as leaders convene in Brazil

On 8th and 9th August, leaders of eight rainforest nations are convening in the city of Belém in Pará, Brazil, to discuss the future of the Amazon Rainforest.
Statement | July 12, 2023
Global Witness strongly condemns the criminalisation of four land and environmental activists as ‘terrorists’ in the Philippines

Global Witness strongly condemns the criminalisation of four leaders of environmental and Indigenous rights group Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA), who have been designated as ‘terrorist’ suspects by the Anti-Terrorism Council in the Philippines.
Statement | June 21, 2023
Global Witness calls for the immediate release and dropping of all charges against Vietnamese climate activist

Global Witness is increasingly concerned by the escalating criminalisation of environmental defenders in Vietnam, and is calling for the immediate release of climate activists Hoang Thi Hong.
Press release | May 30, 2023
French giant Veolia accused of buying “toxic” Colombian landfill, failed to address the risks faced by environmental defenders

The French waste management giant Veolia purchased a “toxic” landfill in a protected area in Colombia and has apparently failed to address the risks faced by environmental defenders who have spoken out against its environmental and health impacts, according to a new report from Global Witness.
Statement | May 24, 2023
Attacks against UDEFEGUA: Defenders in Guatemala are under siege to claim democracy back

Global Witness is deeply concerned by the situation faced by human rights defenders in Guatemala.
Statement | May 1, 2023
Joint statement: UAE human rights record ahead of COP28

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continue their sustained assault on human rights and freedoms, including targeting human rights activists, enacting repressive laws, and using the criminal justice system as a tool to eliminate the human rights movement.
Statement | March 31, 2023
Open Letter to the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs on Escazú Agreement

Global Witness has joined 144 other NGOs worldwide calling for Brazil to ratify the Escazú Agreement to protect the rights of land and environmental defenders via an open letter.