In Bogota, Colombia, Indigenous leaders from the Peruvian Amazon have taken their concerns to an international human rights body, demanding an end to oil and gas projects encroaching upon their lands. These leaders, in a session with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, emphasized the detrimental effects that such exploration has on their territory, which they believe violates their rights, endangers their health, compromises their food security, and contravenes international protocols mandating consultation with Indigenous communities.
Represented by the Interethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Rainforest (AIDESEP), these leaders assert that the continuation of these projects threatens uncontacted Indigenous tribes and disproportionately impacts Indigenous women. During the session, the Peruvian government defended its stance by claiming it operates as a democratic state that upholds legal and human rights for all its citizens while committing to improve these standings.
However, Julio Cusurichi Palacios of AIDESEP, hailing from the Madre de Dios region, countered these assurances by stating, “The reality diverges from the government’s declarations.” He highlighted ongoing violations of Indigenous rights, persistent environmental contamination, threats to isolated Indigenous peoples, relaxed environmental regulations, and the promotion of oil and gas lots, reflecting practices contrary to governmental claims.
The Peruvian administration denied many of these accusations and did not respond to further inquiries for comment. Despite this, reports indicate that a significant portion of the Peruvian Amazon, approximately 75%, is parceled out for oil and gas exploration, impacting the territory of 21 Indigenous groups, as reported by the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs.
Environmental lawyer Cesar Ipenza, who attended the hearing, remarked, “Conditions are worsening as there is a policy of promoting extractive endeavors in vulnerable regions, particularly the Amazon.” He also noted that environmental harm and the lack of dialogue with Indigenous groups are apparent, contradicting the Peruvian state’s assurances of being unaffected by these oil and gas activities.
The commission has requested that the Peruvian government submit written clarifications regarding their response protocols for oil spills and their efforts to aid impacted communities. Data from several Peruvian organizations highlights 831 recorded oil spills in the Amazon region of Peru. There are at least 20 uncontacted tribes inhabiting Peru’s remote Amazon areas, according to Survival International, an organization advocating for Indigenous rights.
Survival International has reported recent sightings of uncontacted Mashco-Piro individuals near logging concessions, leading to violent encounters, illustrating their increasing vulnerability. Teresa Mayo, a researcher for Survival International, stated, “Due to a lack of adequate resolution in Peru, Indigenous groups are resorting to international entities like the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.” She expressed hope that the Commission will compel Peru to adhere to its international obligations and treaties, rather than dismissing them when they are inconvenient.
