While Peru is in an ongoing political crisis, the Indigenous movement clamors for justice. The demands are clear: prevent the killings of threatened Earth defenders, pursue legal actions against the murderers, and guarantee Indigenous territorial integrity.
March 9, 2021
Leila Salazar-López and Angela Martínez The forest is our mother. The forest is our life and our strength. Women protect the healthy soil and fresh air to protect our children and all life. Now is the time to hear the voices of women to protect the Amazon.
Cristina Gualinga, Kichwa grandmother from Sarayaku
Across the Amazon Basin, Indigenous women are uniting and organizing in defense of life, rights, and territories while confronting increasing threats. Amazonian women defenders are on the front lines of defense and response to both the climate and COVID-19 emergencies. This is in addition to leading resistance against extractive industries, agribusiness expansion, and government policies that incentivize fires, land-grabbing, and attacks against Earth defenders. Amazonian women defenders are guiding solutions for a better future and call upon all of us to listen to their voices and show our solidarity.