Dozens of Indigenous protesters on Tuesday forced their way into the venue of the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, clashing with security guards as they demanded stronger climate action and protection for the Amazon rainforest.
The protesters, shouting and waving banners with messages such as “Our land is not for sale,” called for land rights and an end to activities they say threaten their territories. “We can’t eat money,” said Nato, an Indigenous leader from the Tupinambá community, who uses only one name. “We want our lands free from agribusiness, oil exploration, illegal miners, and illegal loggers.”
Witnesses reported that the protesters tried to breach the main entrance of the U.N. compound, where thousands of delegates from around the world are attending this year’s climate conference. Security guards responded by using tables to barricade the entrance, leading to scuffles in which two guards were injured. One was seen being taken away in a wheelchair clutching his stomach, while another sustained a cut above his eye after being hit by a drumstick thrown from the crowd.
Security officials later confiscated several long sticks from protesters before dispersing the crowd. Delegates were asked to remain inside the compound until the situation was brought under control.
In a statement, a UN spokesperson confirmed the breach: “Earlier this evening, a group of protesters breached security barriers at the main entrance to the COP, causing minor injuries to two security staff and minor damage to the venue. Brazilian and UN security personnel took protective actions to secure the venue, following all established security protocols.”
The spokesperson added that investigations are ongoing and that negotiations at the conference have continued without further disruption. The main entrance was closed for repairs and is expected to reopen on Wednesday morning.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has positioned Indigenous communities at the heart of this year’s climate discussions, describing them as key partners in protecting the Amazon. Earlier in the week, dozens of Indigenous leaders arrived by boat to join the talks and demand a greater voice in forest governance.
Prominent Indigenous leader Raoni Metuktire, known as Chief Raoni, told Reuters that many Indigenous peoples remain angered by ongoing industrial and development projects in the Amazon. He urged the government to strengthen Indigenous rights and involve local communities in efforts to preserve the rainforest.
