The UN said there was “no danger” from the “peaceful demonstration,” which forced thousands of attendees to use a side entrance under soldier supervision.
Dozens of Indigenous protesters on Friday blocked the main entrance to the UN climate summit in Brazil, demanding a meeting with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva over what they described as worsening threats to their territories in the Amazon. About 60 men and women, many in traditional attire and some carrying babies, formed a human barrier for nearly two hours, prompting COP30 president Andre Correa do Lago to meet them outside the venue.
It was the second disruption of the climate negotiations this week, with delegates redirected through a side gate manned by soldiers. A banner held by a Munduruku demonstrator declared: “Fighting for our territories is fighting for our lives.” Another woman said, “We demand to see President Lula… We have never been heard.”
Correa do Lago and COP30 CEO Ana Toni later accompanied the group to a nearby court for further talks. The UN said there was “no danger” from the peaceful protest.