Violence against Indigenous People Overshadows Amazon Summit: A Call for Action

Violence against Indigenous People Overshadows Amazon Summit

August 10, 2023 5:16PM EDT | Dispatches

Introduction

The Amazon Summit, a high-level meeting of presidents of countries in the Amazon region aimed at improving protection of the Amazon rainforest, has been marred by violence against Indigenous people in Brazil. This troubling situation serves as a stark reminder that the future of the Amazon is intricately tied with the protection of the people living in and dependent on the rainforest.

The Incident in Tomé-Açu

On August 7, a 19-year-old Tembé man was shot and seriously injured by a private security guard believed to work for the palm oil company, Brasil BioFuels (BBF), in Tomé-Açu, a town in Northeast Pará. Earlier that day, a young man and two women were also shot during a protest over the initial shooting. One of the women sustained serious injuries and had to be taken to the hospital. This incident led to the protest, during which company vehicles were set on fire and buildings were reportedly damaged.

The Company’s Response

BBF claimed that a group of 30 people set fire to their machinery and buildings and that their private security team managed to contain the situation and protect the lives of the workers on-site. The company further stated that this incident was part of an ongoing series of such incidents.

The Community’s Struggle

During the protest, Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants known as quilombolas, and other local communities gathered to demonstrate before the civil and military police stations in Tomé-Açu. Protesters described the intimidation and violence they face from security guards of companies in the region while claiming their collective rights to the lands where palm oil is being produced or reporting on its environmental impacts.

Call for Investigation and Protection

Human Rights Watch has called on Brazil’s Federal Police and the Federal Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shootings and the underlying land disputes. The organization also urges authorities to take measures to protect local communities who are fearful of escalating violence and retaliation.

Addressing the Underlying Land Conflicts

Conflicts in the Amazon are likely to persist unless federal and state governments address the underlying land conflicts that give rise to acts of intimidation and violence. It is paramount for governments, particularly those attending the Amazon Summit, to prioritize the protection of land and forest defenders as a fundamental part of their commitment to safeguard the Amazon.

Editorial

The violence against Indigenous people in Brazil casts a dark shadow over the Amazon Summit, a gathering that should be focused on ensuring the protection of the vital rainforest. This incident highlights the urgent need to address the underlying land conflicts and provide better protection for Indigenous communities and environmental defenders.

The Amazon rainforest is not just a treasure of biodiversity, but also home to millions of Indigenous people who have an intimate connection with the land and depend on it for their cultural preservation and survival. The preservation of the rainforest cannot be pursued at the expense of the rights and safety of these Indigenous communities.

It is disheartening to witness the continued violence and intimidation faced by Indigenous communities and environmental defenders, especially in the context of land disputes. Land conflicts are a complex issue in Brazil, with powerful industries such as agribusiness and extractive companies often encroaching on Indigenous territories, leading to dispossession and violence.

Brasil BioFuels must be held accountable for the reported shootings and the subsequent violence. Their claims of ongoing incidents need to be thoroughly investigated, and measures should be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of local communities in the region. The Brazilian authorities, particularly the Federal Police and the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, need to act swiftly in conducting a thorough and impartial investigation, as well as providing protection for at-risk communities.

Furthermore, the Amazon Summit presents an opportunity for governments to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the Amazon and its people. It is essential for participating countries to prioritize the reduction of deforestation, the prevention of land conflicts, and the respect for the rights of Indigenous communities in their summit commitments. They must also work towards creating a supportive environment for environmental defenders and Indigenous leaders who are on the frontlines of protecting the rainforest.

Advice

As concerned citizens, we can play a role in supporting the protection of Indigenous communities and the Amazon rainforest:

1. Educate Yourself and Raise Awareness

Take the time to learn about the issues facing Indigenous communities in the Amazon and the interconnectedness between their rights and the preservation of the rainforest. Share this knowledge with others to raise awareness and foster a broader understanding of the challenges they face.

2. Support Indigenous-led Organizations

Donate to and support organizations that are working directly with Indigenous communities in the Amazon. These organizations often provide vital resources, legal aid, and advocacy on behalf of Indigenous peoples.

3. Advocate for Government Action

Engage with your elected officials and urge them to prioritize the protection of the Amazon and the rights of Indigenous communities. Write letters, make phone calls, attend meetings, and use your voice to demand meaningful action on issues related to land conflicts, deforestation, and the safety of environmental defenders.

4. Make Informed Consumer Choices

Support companies that prioritize sustainability and fair trade practices. By choosing products that demonstrate a commitment to the environment and respect for Indigenous rights, you can contribute to creating a demand for responsible and ethical practices in the palm oil industry and beyond.

5. Engage in Sustainable Practices

Adopt sustainable lifestyle choices that reduce your ecological footprint. Every action counts, from reducing consumption to recycling and supporting renewable energy sources. By making conscious choices, you contribute to the overall protection of the Amazon and the planet.

Conclusion

The violence against Indigenous people in Brazil serves as a sobering reminder that the protection of the Amazon goes hand in hand with the rights and safety of the communities who depend on it. The Brazilian authorities and participating governments in the Amazon Summit have a responsibility to take immediate action to address the underlying land conflicts and provide better protection for Indigenous communities and environmental defenders. As individuals, we can also contribute to these efforts by educating ourselves, supporting Indigenous-led organizations, advocating for government action, making informed consumer choices, and engaging in sustainable practices. Together, we can help ensure a future where the Amazon and its people thrive.

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