Campaigners have accused the Peruvian government of violating international human rights law and putting lives at risk in the Amazon after it voted against the creation of a 1.2 million-hectare reserve for uncontacted indigenous peoples.
The Yavari Mirim reserve was proposed over 20 years ago to protect the territories of several isolated tribes, but the government has now rejected the plan, citing concerns about economic development. Experts warn that the decision leaves these vulnerable communities exposed to threats from illegal loggers, miners, and drug traffickers.
The move has sparked outrage from human rights groups, who say Peru is failing to uphold its obligations to protect indigenous rights and the environment. The decision highlights the ongoing tensions between conservation, indigenous sovereignty, and economic interests in the Amazon region.