By “An emergency like COVID-19 is defeated in the first place with the antibodies of solidarity”
(Pope Francis: Meditation on a plan to resuscitate).
Pax Christi International joins in calls for urgent measures to protect Indigenous lives and culture from threats like COVID-19, deforestation, and human rights abuses.
The bishops of the Amazon and Colombian Orinoquia region have raised their voices in encouragement and hope in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing infections and deaths in the region.
They join in a call for urgent dialogue between the Colombian national government and autonomous Indigenous governance within the frameworks of consultation and agreement with Indigenous peoples.
This dialogue should enable the “Urgent plan of action for Indigenous territories and peoples for the mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic and for self-care,” taking into account cultural diversity and Indigenous knowledge.
Similar statements are being made by bishops in other countries of the Amazon region, supporting the rights of Indigenous peoples.