GENEVA - The Working Group on enforced and involuntary disappearances today warned of an alarming global trend of enforced disappearances targeting individuals defending land, natural resources, and the environment that often occur in contexts of systemic discrimination and weakened rule of law.
"This report is a wake-up call," said the experts. "It reveals a clear and present danger to those on the front line of environmental protection. These are not isolated incidents, but a growing trend fuelled by impunity."
In its new report to the Human Rights Council, the Working Group said the enforced disappearances of those defending land, the environment and natural resources often occur in contexts marked by violence, repression, systemic marginalisation, and climate emergency. By doing their legitimate human rights work, these defenders are frequently branded by States or the media as "anti-development," "terrorists," or "eco-terrorists," the report found. Such tactics are reportedly used to protect State and corporate interests, discredit their work, justify surveillance, and link them to terrorism investigations. These strategies drastically increase the risk of enforced disappearance.
The report points to a worrying finding of collusion between States, business enterprises, and criminal groups in these enforced disappearances, often aimed at protecting profits from extractive industries, agribusiness, energy ventures, and development projects.
The report also calls on businesses and financial institutions to respect human rights, conduct due diligence, and ensure their operations do not contribute to enforced disappearances.
"These defenders are ultimately safeguarding all ways of life on this planet, and we must protect them from enforced disappearance," the experts said.
The report concludes with a series of recommendations for States, businesses, and international organisations to prevent these crimes, ensure accountability, and provide holistic reparations to victims and affected communities.
The report will also be discussed at a side event to be held on 22 September 2025, at 15:30 (CET) in Room IX of the Palais des Nations.
