2015 was the worst year on record for killings of land and environmental defenders…On average, more than three people were killed every week in 2015…The worst hit countries were Brazil (50 killings), the Philippines (33) and Colombia (26). Mining was the industry most linked to killings of land and environmental defenders with 42 deaths in 2015. Agribusiness, hydroelectric dams and logging were also key drivers of violence…[C]ollusion between state and corporate interests shield many of those responsible for the killings. In cases that are well documented we found 16 were related to paramilitary groups, 13 to the army, 11 to the police and 11 to private security – strongly implying state or company links to the killings…Our findings highlight…while impunity for perpetrators prevails, the criminalization of activists is becoming more commonplace, particularly in African countries. Governments and powerful business interests use their influence to marginalise defenders and turn public opinion against them…This report…calls for urgent, meaningful action to end the rising tide of violence…[Also refers to Anglo American, AngloGold Ashanti, Archer Daniels Midland, Bunge, Cargill, Hidro Santa Cruz, Las Bambas, Louis Dreyfus, Repsa, and Rio Tinto.]