"Indigenous Chief Appeals to President Lula: Protect Amazon and People's Rights"

Chief Raoni Metuktire, a prominent Indigenous leader in the Amazon, has called on Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to defend the rights of Indigenous people. In a letter, Raoni demanded the removal of "invaders" from Indigenous territories, inclusion of Indigenous people in discussions on carbon credits, and a concrete position on a court ruling that could strip Indigenous territories of their designations. Raoni also demanded a halt to mining activities and the testing and treatment of Indigenous people affected by mercury exposure. The letter also highlighted the need for more Indigenous territories to safeguard their land.