Dozens of Indigenous protesters forced their way into the COP30 climate summit venue last Tuesday and clashed with security guards at the entrance to demand climate action and forest protection.
Shouting angrily, protesters demanded access to the UN compound where thousands of delegates from countries around the world are attending this year's UN climate summit in the Amazon city of Belem, Brazil.
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 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.
Security guards later allowed delegates to exit the venue, having earlier asked them to move back inside until the area was clear. 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."
