In the past two decades, economic and financial ties between China and Latin America have deepened to an unprecedented extent. Unfortunately, some of these investments have left behind human rights violations and environmental impacts in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Last week, representatives of NGOs and civil society leaders traveled to Geneva to expose these rights violations and their impacts on local and Indigenous communities, including outgoing Shuar Arutam President Josefina Tunki – a powerful advocate for Indigenous rights and the Amazon.

Josefina Tunki was elected the first woman representative of the Shuar Arutam people and has been resisting the advance of mining companies in her territory since she was a child. Because of her successful work as an Earth Defender, she has experienced numerous threats and constant persecution.

Our presence at the United Nations was vital and productive. During a recommendations discussion with China, Josefina was the only voice representing Indigenous peoples, and she delivered powerful testimony.