Protesters force their way into COP30 summit venue, clash with security
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An Indigenous demonstrator is held by a member of staff as protesters force their way into the COP30 climate summit venue on Nov 11.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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BELEM, Brazil - Dozens of Indigenous protesters forced their way into the COP30 climate summit venue on Nov 11 and clashed with security guards at the entrance.
Shouting angrily, the protesters demanded access to the UN compound, where thousands of delegates from countries around the world are attending 2025’s UN climate summit.
Some waved flags with slogans calling for land rights or carried signs saying “our land is not for sale”.
“We can’t eat money,” said Mr Nato, an Indigenous leader from the Tupinamba community, who uses only one name. “We want our lands free from agribusiness, oil exploration, illegal miners and illegal loggers.”
Security guards pushed the protesters back and used tables to barricade the entrance.
A Reuters witness saw one security guard being rushed away in a wheelchair while clutching his stomach.
Another guard with a fresh cut above his eye told Reuters he had been hit in the head by a heavy drumstick thrown from the crowd.
Security confiscated several long, heavy sticks.
The protesters dispersed shortly after the clash.
They had been in a group of hundreds who marched to the venue in the Amazon city of Belem.
Security guards later allowed delegates to exit the venue, having earlier asked them to move back inside until the area was clear.
Protesters force their way into the COP30 climate summit venue in Brazil on Nov 11.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Within the compound, the United Nations is responsible for security.
“Earlier this evening, a group of protesters breached security barriers at the main entrance to the COP, causing minor injuries to two security staff and minor damage to the venue,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“Brazilian and UN security personnel took protective actions to secure the venue, following all established security protocols. Brazilian and UN authorities are investigating the incident. The venue is fully secured, and COP negotiations continue.”
The main entrance to the venue had been closed for repairs and the UN climate agency said it will reopen on the morning of Nov 12.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has highlighted Indigenous communities at 2025’s COP30 as key players in the negotiations.
Earlier this week, dozens of Indigenous leaders arrived by boat
They plan to demand more say in how forests are managed.
In a separate interview on Nov 11, a prominent Indigenous leader told Reuters that many from the Indigenous communities were upset with ongoing industry and development projects in the forest.
Chief Raoni Metuktire, also known as Chief Raoni, urged Brazil to empower native peoples to preserve the Amazon. REUTERS
