Indigenous protest disrupts climate summit in Belém

Dozens of indigenous peoples infiltrated the grounds of the COP30 climate summit in the Brazilian city of Belém on Tuesday. Protesters loudly demanded access to the UN event, where thousands of delegates from around the world are discussing climate solutions in the Amazon region.

Several carried flags and banners calling for the protection of land and the promotion of the rights of indigenous communities. A representative of the Tupinamba community stressed that land is of irreplaceable importance to indigenous peoples and they reject its sale or destruction.

The security forces responded by forming barricades of tables and tried to push the crowd back. Two workers suffered serious injuries during the clash.

The protesters dispersed shortly after the clash and the main entrance to the site was closed for repairs. Inside, security was provided by UN staff in cooperation with the Brazilian authorities. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

In his speech, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stressed the importance of indigenous communities in the protection of the Amazon rainforest and urged them to have more influence in direct negotiations.

(reuters, sie)