 |
| These uncontacted Indians in Brazil may face pressure on their land from other uncontacted Indians fleeing across the border from Peru. © Gleison Miranda/FUNAI |
Peru's Minister of Environment has spoken publicly about some of the world's last uncontacted Indians, fleeing for their lives from Peru to Brazil.
The Indians are fleeing to escape the illegal logging that is devastating their homes and forest. Logging has already led to violent conflict, deaths, and the tragic contact of one group of previously uncontacted Indians that left half of them dead.
Minister Antonio Brack Egg spoke about the Indians during an interview on Peru's 'Radio Nacional'. According to reports, he promised to coordinate with Peru's Ministry of the Interior to 'prevent the flight of uncontacted people' into Brazil – although it is not yet clear what that coordination will consist of.
Brack's promise comes after increasing press coverage in the Peruvian and international press of uncontacted tribes and the threats facing them. Just a few weeks ago, arrows belonging to Indians fleeing from Peru were found by the Brazilian government's Indian Affairs Department (FUNAI) in a remote part of the Brazilian Amazon, near the border with Peru.
Whether the government actually does anything about the logging remains to be seen. More than three months ago Peru's own Indian Affairs Department (INDEPA) promised a report on the issue, but to date no report has been published.
Act now to help the Uncontacted Indians of Peru
Your efforts are crucial in defending the Uncontacted Tribes. Get involved in this urgent effort in the following ways.
- Writing a letter to the Peruvian government can make a real difference.
- Donate to the Uncontacted Indians campaign (and other Survival campaigns).
- Write to your MP or MEP (UK) or Senators and members of Congress (US).
- Write to your local Peruvian embassy
- If you want to get more involved, contact Survival…
