Indigenous Groups Clash with U.N. Security at COP30 Climate Conference in Belém, Brazil

Indigenous Groups Clash with U.N. Security at COP30 Climate Conference in Belém, Brazil

Indigenous groups clashed with United Nations security at the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil. The protesters, waving yellow flags to protest oil drilling in the Amazon, attempted to force their way into the conference venue, leading to chaotic scenes. Security personnel barricaded the entrance with tables, and clashes ensued, resulting in at least one security guard being injured.

The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. local time, with security forces aggressively removing the demonstrators from the venue. Enric Noguera Marcet, from the organization Plant Based Treaty, witnessed the confrontation and described security personnel using forceful tactics, including grabbing people by the neck and pushing them to the ground. Videos shared online showed the intense confrontation between the protesters and security forces, with some protesters wearing traditional indigenous clothing and headgear.

The venue, located in the capital of the northern Brazilian state of Pará, was partially evacuated as the situation escalated. The protesters, chanting and holding banners, stood their ground against the guards, leading to physical altercations. The COP site is under U.N. security management, and the Brazilian government is not involved in the security operations.

The clash between indigenous groups and U.N. security at the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil, highlighted the tensions surrounding environmental issues and indigenous rights. The incident, where protesters attempted to enter the conference venue to voice their opposition to oil drilling in the Amazon, resulted in confrontations and injuries. The chaotic scenes underscore the challenges of balancing security and freedom of expression at international events like the COP conferences.