Brazilian organizations condemn intimidation of UN rapporteur
In an attempt at intimidation, the Philippine national Victória Tauli-Corpuz is accused of terrorism by her country’s government
Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples during the panel the topics Human Rights and climate change. 6 March 2015. UN Photo / Jean-Marc Ferr
Brazilian indigenous, academic and human rights organizations have expressed concern over the accusations of terrorism leveled by the government of the Philippines against Victória Tauli-Corpuz, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
In addition to her, other known local activists also face the same accusation. The organizations have released an open letter asking for the charge to be dropped. They claim that the Philippine government is using this maneuver to intimidate the Rapporteur. As a result, they also ask that steps be taken to guarantee the physical protection of Tauli-Corpuz and for her to continue her work.
The signatories of the letter believe that “the persecution of the Rapporteur by the government of the Philippines is a serious warning about the growing criminalization and retaliation by different governments against indigenous leaders and human rights defenders”.
The letter was signed by more than sixty Brazilian organizations, including Conectas, ISA (Socioenvironmental Institute) and CIMI (Indigenous Missionary Council).
• Click here to read the letter in full
