The article "Brazil and Peru are failing uncontacted peoples – and the Amazon’s future is at stake" by Julio Cusurichi Palacios and Beto Marubo highlights the critical situation of uncontacted indigenous peoples in the Amazon region, particularly in Brazil and Peru. The authors argue that the governments of these countries are not doing enough to protect the rights and lands of these isolated groups, which are under threat from encroachment, violence, and disease.
Here are the main points of the article:
- Uncontacted peoples are at risk: There are estimated to be around 100 uncontacted indigenous groups in the Amazon, with the majority living in Brazil and Peru. These groups have chosen to remain isolated, and their lands are under threat from logging, mining, and agricultural activities.
- Government failures: The authors criticize the governments of Brazil and Peru for failing to protect the rights and lands of uncontacted peoples. They argue that the governments are not doing enough to prevent encroachment, violence, and disease, which are major threats to the survival of these groups.
- Brazil’s Bolsonaro government: The authors specifically criticize the government of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, which they say has been dismantling protections for indigenous lands and promoting the interests of agribusiness and mining companies.
- Peru’s lack of protection: The authors also criticize the Peruvian government for failing to protect the lands of uncontacted peoples, despite having laws and policies in place to do so.
- Consequences of contact: The authors highlight the devastating consequences of contact between uncontacted peoples and outsiders, including the transmission of diseases to which they have no immunity, violence, and cultural destruction.
- Amazon’s future at stake: The authors argue that the fate of the Amazon rainforest, a critical component of the global ecosystem, is closely tied to the fate of uncontacted peoples. If their lands are not protected, the Amazon will suffer, with severe consequences for the planet.
- Call to action: The authors call on governments, international organizations, and civil society to take action to protect the rights and lands of uncontacted peoples, including the establishment of protected areas and the prevention of encroachment and violence.
Overall, the article highlights the urgent need for governments and international organizations to take action to protect the rights and lands of uncontacted indigenous peoples in the Amazon, and to prevent the devastating consequences of contact and encroachment.
