Indigenous protesters storm COP30 venue in Brazil, demand stronger climate action
Dozens of Indigenous protesters stormed the COP30 climate summit venue in Belem, Brazil, clashing with security officers as they called for stronger climate action and land protection. The UN confirmed two minor injuries and said investigations are underway.
- Indigenous protesters forced entry into the COP30 venue in Belem on 11 Nov, demanding forest and land protection.
- Clashes with security guards left two injured, with the UN confirming minor damage to the site.
- Indigenous leaders urged greater involvement in forest management and climate talks.
BRAZIL: Tensions erupted at the COP30 climate summit on Tuesday (11 November 2025, local time) when dozens of Indigenous protesters forced their way into the main venue in Belem, demanding urgent action to protect forests and Indigenous land rights.
Protesters Demand Land Rights and Forest Protection
Witnesses said the demonstrators gathered outside the United Nations compound shouting slogans and insisting on entry.
Many carried flags and banners reading “Our land is not for sale” as they pressed for a stronger voice in global climate talks.
Nato, a leader from the Tupinamba community, told Reuters that Indigenous people want “lands free from agribusiness, oil exploration, illegal miners, and loggers.”
He said, “We can’t eat money.”
Clashes at the Entrance
Security guards attempted to block the crowd by pushing back protesters and using tables to barricade the entrance.
According to Reuters, one security guard was seen being rushed away in a wheelchair, clutching his stomach, while another suffered a cut above his eye after being struck by a heavy drumstick thrown from the crowd.
Security personnel later confiscated several long, heavy sticks from the protesters.
The group dispersed shortly after the clash, following a march involving hundreds of participants.
UN Confirms Minor Injuries and Ongoing Security Measures
In a statement, a United Nations spokesperson confirmed that “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.”
“Brazilian and U.N. security personnel took protective actions to secure the venue, following all established security protocols,” the spokesperson added, noting that both Brazilian and UN authorities are investigating the incident.
Security temporarily restricted movement in and out of the compound before later allowing delegates to exit once the area was secured.
The UN said the main entrance will reopen on Wednesday morning after repairs.
Indigenous Leaders Call for Greater Role in Climate Talks
This year’s climate summit has drawn attention to Brazil’s Indigenous communities, whom President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has described as key partners in forest preservation.
Dozens of Indigenous representatives arrived earlier this week, many traveling by boat to Belem to make their voices heard.
Chief Raoni Metuktire, a prominent Kayapó leader, told Reuters that despite government pledges, development pressures in the Amazon remain “deeply worrying.” He urged that Indigenous peoples be empowered to lead conservation efforts to ensure the rainforest’s survival.
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