Indigenous Leaders Call for UN Action Against Criminal Networks Threatening the Amazon
October 19 - The fight against transnational organized crime threatening the Amazon rainforest has gathered momentum as more than a dozen Indigenous representatives from Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador are attending the United Nations conference (COP13) held from October 19-23.
The conference aims to discuss and address the growing menace posed by criminal networks operating within the Amazon region, which is home to millions of indigenous people and a significant portion of the world's biodiversity.
Indigenous Voices at COP13
October 20 - The indigenous representatives are using their platform at the conference to raise awareness about the impact of criminal activities on their communities and the environment.
- During a press conference, Peruvian indigenous leader, Maria Doce Pares, expressed her concerns about the growing threats from drug trafficking, illegal logging, and mining in the Amazon.
- She emphasized the urgent need for international cooperation to protect the Amazon and the rights of indigenous peoples.
UN Needed for Protection
October 21 - The Indigenous leaders are demanding that the United Nations takes a more active role in safeguarding the Amazon and the rights of its indigenous peoples.
- Ecuadorian indigenous leader, Marcos Cevallos, stated that "the Amazon is under threat, and the UN must act to protect the environment and our way of life."
- He called for stronger international cooperation, monitoring, and enforcement of environmental laws to combat the encroachment of criminal activities within the Amazon region.
Awareness and Action
October 22 - The conference has been a platform for indigenous leaders to raise awareness about the challenges faced by their communities and the Amazon ecosystem.
- "We are not asking for charity, but for justice and respect for our rights as indigenous peoples and custodians of the Amazon," said Brazilian indigenous leader, Carlos Manuel.
- The leaders emphasized the importance of preserving the Amazon for future generations and the global community.
COP13: A Call for Action
October 23 - The delegates at the United Nations Conference on Drugs and Crime (COP13) have been urged to take urgent action against the criminal networks threatening the Amazon rainforest.
- "The Amazon is not just a natural resource, but a life support system for the planet," said Colombian indigenous leader, Maria Marina.
- The leaders called for stronger international cooperation, better enforcement of environmental laws, and protection of indigenous rights.
Indigenous Voices at COP13
October 24 - Indigenous voices have been heard at the ongoing United Nations Conference on Drugs and Crime (COP13), demanding action against criminal networks threatening the Amazon rainforest.
- "The Amazon is not just a natural resource but a life support system for the planet," said Colombian indigenous leader Maria Marina.
- "We call for stronger international cooperation, better enforcement of environmental laws, and protection of indigenous rights," said Maria Marina.
<small>Source: PBS NewsHour — read the original story there.</small>
