Indigenous Leaders Challenge Oil and Gas Projects in Peru at Human Rights Forum

Indigenous leaders from the Peruvian Amazon presented concerns about oil and gas projects threatening their rights at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. They assert violations of their land, health, and food security, and demand government accountability amidst claims of continued environmental damage and unconsulted exploration. AIDESEP supports their efforts, highlighting dangers faced by uncontacted tribes and ongoing project initiatives in Indigenous territories.

On Tuesday, Indigenous leaders from the Peruvian Amazon voiced their apprehensions regarding ongoing oil and gas projects threatening their territories before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. They presented evidence asserting that these ventures infringe upon their rights, jeopardize their health and food security, and breach international obligations mandating consultations with Indigenous communities. The leaders were backed by the Interethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Rainforest (AIDESEP).

During the hearing, representatives of the Peruvian government asserted that the nation is a democratic state that upholds the law and guarantees human rights. However, Julio Cusurichi Palacios, an AIDESEP Board member from the Madre de Dios region, countered this claim, emphasizing that the government fails to acknowledge the harsh realities faced by Indigenous peoples. He remarked upon the ongoing river contamination, threats to uncontacted Indigenous groups, and the promotion of oil and gas activities that create a detrimental impact.

The government disputed many allegations made by the Indigenous representatives and did not respond to requests for further comment from the Associated Press. Reports indicate that approximately 75% of the Peruvian Amazon, home to 21 Indigenous groups, is subject to oil and gas concessions, often conflicting with their territories, as identified by the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs.

Cesar Ipenza, an environmental attorney present at the hearing, highlighted the increasing severity of extractive industry policies in vulnerable Amazonian regions. He lamented that although the environmental consequences and lack of communication with Indigenous populations are evident, the Peruvian state insists that these operations cause no issues.

The commission has requested that the Peruvian government provide written clarification regarding protocols for managing oil spills and for supporting affected Indigenous communities. Concerns have been raised about the documented number of 831 oil spills reported in the Peruvian Amazon, which raises alarms about the environmental integrity of these areas.

Survival International outlined the predicament of at least 20 uncontacted tribes in Peru residing in the most secluded regions of the Amazon. They noted the threats faced by the uncontacted Mashco-Piro tribe, citing recent interactions with logging workers, which have resulted in dire consequences for these vulnerable groups.

Teresa Mayo, a researcher at Survival International, explained that due to the lack of accountability in Peru, Indigenous organizations are compelled to seek recourse through bodies like the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Their aim is for the Commission to ensure that Peru adheres to international laws and treaties regarding Indigenous rights.

The interaction at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights highlights the urgent concerns of Peru’s Indigenous leaders regarding the government’s exploitation of oil and gas resources within their territories. Despite government assertions of respect for human rights, evidence suggests ongoing violations that jeopardize both the environment and the rights of vulnerable Indigenous populations. The call for accountability at the international level reflects a profound need for improved engagement and adherence to established legal frameworks governing Indigenous rights.

Original Source: www.newsday.com