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GI-ESCR Signs Joint Appeal Urging the UNFCCC to Reverse Harmful Communication Affecting Indigenous Peoples and Protest Rights
We have signed a joint letter to Mr Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, raising concern about a 12 November communication from the UNFCCC to the Government of Brazil. That message was sent following a reported 'security incident' at the COP30 venue and, according to the signatories, has led to a massive increase in security forces around the summit in Belém.
Read the letter here: https://climaterights.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Urgent-Appeal-to-Reverse-Harmful-UNFCCC-Communication-Endangering-Indigenous-Peoples-and-Protest-Rights.pdf
The letter states that the UNFCCC communication urged the Brazilian Presidency to step up uniformed security and to disperse protests. The signatories warn that this contributes to silencing dissent and marginalising those defending land and the environment, including Indigenous Peoples of the Brazilian Amazon. They note that the heightened security has created a chilling effect for Indigenous Peoples, Environmental and other Human Rights Defenders, civil society and activists.
The appeal stresses that Indigenous Peoples defending their land and seeking access to negotiations are not a threat, and cites the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change, which said the escalation 'is replicating the form of state violence Indigenous Peoples and human rights defenders face across our territories'.
The letter recalls that the UNFCCC Secretariat has legal obligations to uphold all human rights, including freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. It warns that the communication sets a precedent that could permit future COP presidencies to restrict fundamental rights.
The signatories call on Mr Stiell to issue a public statement at the start of week two, to request a reduction of security forces in Belém, to acknowledge the role of Indigenous Peoples in protecting the environment, and to commit to upholding their rights and the right to peaceful protest.
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