Dear Jack,

In April, we shared how donations and actions by our supporters drive Survival International’s campaign successes. With you being part of the global movement for tribal and Indigenous peoples’ rights, we can share even more great news from the last few months. 

Here's a rundown of how our supporters helped.

Yanomami operation in Brazil continues

The campaign to remove illegal gold miners from Yanomami territories in Brazil continues:

• In June, the Federal Police announced that no new mining areas were opened in the territory for the first time since 2020;

• So far, the operation has resulted in 44 arrests and the confiscation of US$29 million in assets. 42 mining areas were dismantled and 323 camps, 71 dredges, 9 aircraft and 12 boats were destroyed;

Survival supporters have been campaigning alongside the Yanomami for over half a century. Your sustained pressure contributed to this success.

Illegal miners removed from Yanomami Territory by Ibama agents © Força Nacional Brasileira

Fighting two anti-Indigenous bills

In June, a key Congressional committee in Peru effectively blocked a draft law labelled the “Genocide Bill.” This is a huge victory for Indigenous people in Peru, as the law could have opened up uncontacted Indigenous territories to industrial exploitation.

Our supporters sent a staggering 13,000 emails to Congresspeople, partnering with Indigenous organizations in Peru that lobbied and protested against the bill. Roberto Tafur, President of Peru’s Indigenous organization ORPIO, had this to say to Survival: 

“We fought this fight together. It was really important that people got involved – people who care about the well-being of our uncontacted relatives. Because life comes before money.”

A Nanti woman and child. The Nanti were just one of many uncontacted and recently-contacted peoples whose survival was threatened by the bill. © Survival

However, Indigenous rights continue to be under assault from a very similar law in Brazil - Draft Bill PL490, known as the Bill of Death. If passed, it could allow Indigenous territories to be scrapped or enable government teams to force contact with uncontacted peoples.

Over 30,000 of you have already sent emails to 81 of Brazil’s Senators to lobby against the bill - one of Survival’s fastest-growing campaigns. Your actions alongside the Indigenous peoples of Brazil give us hope that this bill, like the one in Peru, can be scrapped once and for all.

Unlike most NGOs, Survival refuses government funding. This assures our absolute independence and our ability to expose and take action against the atrocities committed against Indigenous people.

It also means we rely on your help. Stand with our Indigenous partners by donating.
 

With many thanks for your support,

Simonas Bartulis
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