Indigenous Communities Under Siege as Organized Crime Surges in the Amazon > 월드뉴스

The Indigenous Asháninka communities along the Brazilian-Peruvian border are facing unprecedented threats from organized crime groups that are invading their territories, destroying rainforests, and engaging in drug trafficking. Concurrently, in Canada, political leaders are urging the government to block a controversial data-sharing deal between Thomson Reuters and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which critics argue could facilitate human rights abuses.

Threats to Indigenous Communities
Local leaders from the Asháninka people reported that masked men armed with semi-automatic weapons have invaded their homes in Apiwtxa, a village within the Kampa do Rio Amônia Indigenous territory. These intrusions have instilled fear among residents as the armed groups search for targets and intimidate community members. Francisco Piyãko, the general coordinator of the Organisation of Indigenous People of the Juruá River, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that without government intervention, communities may resort to self-defense, which could lead to disastrous consequences.

The Asháninka have long been under threat due to their efforts to protect the rainforest from illegal activities. The recent surge in violence is attributed to the expansion of transnational criminal networks that are encroaching on Indigenous territories, which are crucial for preserving the Amazon ecosystem. The situation has prompted an emergency delegation to Brasília, appealing for government support from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Concerns Over Drug Trafficking and Environmental Crime
The intersection of drug trafficking and environmental crime has raised alarm among environmentalists and scientists. Brazilian climate expert Carlos Nobre has identified this nexus as a significant threat to the Amazon rainforest. The Brazilian side of the border, particularly Acre state, has historically been a sanctuary for environmental defenders. However, recent tensions have escalated as isolated Indigenous communities from Peru seek refuge from loggers and drug cartels, further complicating the situation.

Political Response in Canada
In Canada, Avi Lewis, the federal leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), is calling on the government to block the $125 million data-sharing agreement between Thomson Reuters and ICE. This deal allows ICE to access Thomson Reuters' Clear database, which includes sensitive information such as property records and social media data, ostensibly to identify voter and immigration fraud. Critics argue that this partnership with ICE, an agency known for its controversial practices, could lead to human rights violations.

Lewis expressed his outrage over the deal, stating that complicity between Canadian corporations and ICE should be illegal. He urged the government to halt any contracts with companies doing business with ICE and to deny export permits for equipment sold to the agency. The NDP's calls for action come in the wake of previous incidents involving ICE, including the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens.

Wrap-up
The challenges faced by the Asháninka communities highlight the urgent need for government intervention to protect Indigenous rights and the environment amid rising organized crime. Simultaneously, the data-sharing deal between Thomson Reuters and ICE has sparked significant political debate in Canada, raising questions about corporate responsibility and human rights. Both situations underscore the complex interplay of crime, governance, and environmental protection in today's world.

Sources
theguardian.com