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| Illegal loggers pose one of the biggest threats to Peru's uncontacted tribes. © FENAMAD |
The existence of some of the world's last uncontacted tribes has been threatened by a new law passed by the Peruvian government.
Although its nominal purpose is to protect the country's isolated Indians, and it acknowledges that contact with them could lead to their extinction, the law explicitly permits the exploitation of natural resources on land inhabited by them.
'There exists a double standard in the law that contravenes all the principles of human rights,' said a spokesperson for AIDESEP, Peru's Amazon Indian organisation.
The Peruvian government is actively promoting oil and gas exploration on land inhabited by the tribes, and many of their territories have also been invaded by illegal loggers.
In total, there are an estimated fifteen uncontacted tribes in Peru. Because of their isolation, the tribes do not have immunity to outsiders' diseases and any form of contact can be fatal for them.
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Act now to help the Uncontacted Indians of Peru
Your efforts are crucial in defending the Uncontacted Tribes. Get involved in this urgent effort in the following ways.
- Writing a letter to the Peruvian government can make a real difference.
- Donate to the Uncontacted Indians campaign (and other Survival campaigns).
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- Write to your local Peruvian embassy
- If you want to get more involved, contact Survival…
