Peru: demands grow for Amazon massacre truth commission

The UN Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination called for Peru to open an “exhaustive investigation” into the Bagua massacre.

Peru: indigenous leaders demand “truth commission” on Amazon massacre

As a condition of peace with the government, Peruvian indigenous leaders are demanding a “truth commission” to investigate the June violence at Bagua, dubbed the “Amazon’s Tiananmen.”

Peru’s National Police to get “license to kill”?

Peru’s Prime Minister Javier Velásquez is proposing legislation that would authorize the National Police to use deadly force against civilians if they believe a violent confrontation is imminent.

Peru: aerial photos reveal loggers inside uncontacted tribes’ territory

New aerial photos have revealed illegal loggers operating inside the Murunahua Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon, set aside for uncontacted and highly vulnerable indigenous tribes.

“Swine flu” hits indigenous peoples in Peruvian Amazon

The first cases of “swine flu” have just been reported among Amazonian indigenous peoples, raising fears of a devastating contagion among peoples with no immunity to outside diseases.

Peru pledges new Amazon oil auctions —despite indigenous protests

The state agency PeruPetro pledges to go ahead with delayed Amazon oil auctions by year’s end—despite the threat of renewed protests by indigenous groups.

Ecuador signs oil deal with China

Ecuador signed a deal to export oil to China—as indigenous organizations in the Amazon accused President Rafael Correa of violating their territorial rights.

Peru approves controversial Amazon oil contract —in wake of uprising

Peru has approved Anglo-French Perenco’s contract to drill for oil in the Amazon—in the wake of a wave of unrest over government develop plans in the region that left at least 30 dead.

Peru: eyewitness account of Amazon massacre published

The UK-based advocacy group Survival International has published an eyewitness account of the killings in the Peruvian Amazon that caused shockwaves around the world. The report contains dramatic photos by two Belgians, Marijke Deleu and Thomas Quirynen, who were caught… Read morePeru: eyewitness account of Amazon massacre published

Peru: land decrees overturned in victory for indigenous movement

Indigenous groups in Peru called off protests after the country’s congress voted to overturn controversial laws decreed by President Alan García to implement the US free trade agreement.

Peru recalls ambassador from Bolivia over Amazon crisis

Peru recalled its ambassador to June 16 after President Evo Morales described the recent killings of indigenous protesters in the Peruvian Amazo as “genocide.”

Peru clamps down on indigenous organizations

Senior figures in Peru are threatening a clamp-down on both Peruvian and foreign NGOs in the wake of the violent protests which have erupted in the country’s Amazon region.