Mongabay · Climate & nature

Peru Faces Human Rights Hearing Over Amazon Indigenous Group Protection

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights will hold a hearing on the Peruvian state's alleged violation of the rights of uncontacted Indigenous groups in the Amazon.

The hearing, scheduled for September 24-25, will examine claims that Peru failed to protect the Mashco Piro, Yora, and Amahuaca peoples from extractive industries encroaching on their ancestral lands, including within the Madre de Dios Territorial Reserve.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights previously found Peru responsible for violating these groups' rights and referred the case to the court. The commission cited Peru's failure to expand the reserve, recognize collective territories, and establish buffer zones, despite evidence of Indigenous peoples living in isolation and initial contact (PIACI) in the area.

Activities such as logging, mining, road construction, oil exploration, and drug trafficking have been documented in the region, posing threats to these communities.

The commission has requested the court order Peru to demarcate the Indigenous territories, establish buffer zones, and fully categorize the Madre de Dios Territorial Reserve as an Indigenous reserve for greater protection.

The commission also called for stronger measures against illegal logging and mining, and a review of concessions overlapping with ancestral territories.

Peru's state argued it is already implementing laws and regulations to protect PIACI, making adjustments to protected areas, and improving its monitoring systems.

Following this week's hearing, written arguments are due by October 26, with no set deadline for the court's decision.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.