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| Illegal loggers in Peru. One of FENAMAD's main aims is to stop loggers invading uncontacted tribes' territories. © FENAMAD |
A warrant for the arrest of one of Peru's most prominent indigenous leaders has been issued after accusations he was involved in burning down a regional government office.
The man wanted is Antonio Iviche Quique, president of indigenous organisation FENAMAD and coordinator of a federation especially set up to defend uncontacted tribes in South America, CIPIACI. FENAMAD has won the prestigious Bartolemé de las Casas prize for its work defending uncontacted tribes.
Iviche is a member of the Arakmbut tribe who had their first contact with the outside world fifty years ago. More than 50% of the Arakmbut died as a result.
The government office was set alight during protests earlier this year against government plans to make it easier for companies to seize indigenous land. The accusations against Iviche have been strongly rejected by FENAMAD.
'THERE IS NO PROOF. . . The burning of the regional government office was done by people who infiltrated a demonstration organised by the 'Alliance of Federations', which includes FENAMAD,' reads a statement by the organisation. 'FENAMAD's leaders had absolutely nothing to do with it.'
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).
- Write to your MP or MEP (UK) or Senators and members of Congress (US).
- Write to your local Peruvian embassy
- If you want to get more involved, contact Survival…
