Peruvian government putting indigenous tribes 'at risk'
11th April 2012
Despite the United Nations' warning to leave uncontacted tribes alone, resource exploration is continuing in Peru's Amazon
The Peruvian government's approval of expanding the (already controversial) Camisea natural gas project is drawing heat from non-governmental organisations. Recent claims suggest the development is moving into indigenous peoples land and breaching the United Nations (UN) guidelines.
The UN guidelines state that the land of uncontacted tribes should be protected and the development of natural resources should be prohibited. Despite this, the country's largest gas and oil project is expected to develop further into indigenous territories, violating tribal people's rights.
"The UN’s breakthrough report at last recognises the rights of uncontacted Indians. Peru needs to read it and respect those who wish to be left alone before entire tribes are lost forever," said Survival International’s director Stephen Corry.
There are as many as 15 uncontacted tribes in isolated regions of Peru's Amazon forests, including Cacataibo, Isconahua, Matsigenka, Mashco-Piro, Mastanahua, Murunahua (or Chitonahua), Nanti and Yora.
The Camisea natural gas project has been a point of contention between the government and indigenous people previously. Just two years ago, Peru had to declare a state of emergency in Cusco when protests flared in the area.
In 1980, Shell workers broached onto the Nahua Indian's land, bringing western diseases that wiped out half the indigenous population. Survival International and indigenous Peruvians have expressed concern that the Camisea expansion may cause history to repeat itself, with lands of uncontacted tribes being ruined, spreading disease and damaging livelihoods in the region.
The land in question is a located in the largest natural gas block. There are six companies behind the resource exploration,including Argentina's gas giant PlusPetrol and American-based Hunt-Oil.
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