We are deeply saddened by the deaths of Brazilian Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira and journalist Dom Phillips. Our thoughts are with the families of both men, whose brave work will not be forgotten.
Bruno has been a tireless defender of Indigenous communities in the Amazon, with unparalleled expertise and knowledge
on the continuous threats to these communities. While just last year, Dom
Phillips interviewed President Bolsonaro on shrinking environmental law
enforcement in Brazil as part of his extensive coverage of land and
environmental rights abuses in the region.
They were both also deeply committed to the critical task of preserving the Amazon rainforest in all its amazing bio-diversity.
Their deaths are a tragic reminder of how
deadly fighting for land rights and Indigenous communities can be, especially
in Brazil which is one
of the most dangerous countries in the world for land and environmental defenders.
Bruno and Dom worked heroically to protect the Amazon region and its inhabitants and protect the lungs of our planet. The Brazilian authorities must investigate their deaths and provide justice for their families.