Climate Tracker expresses extreme concerns over the disappearance of British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Araújo Pereira, who were traveling in the Amazon’s Javari region while doing their work.
Local indigenous leaders sounded alarms after the two men disappeared during a reporting trip for Phillips’ book. They were last seen on Sunday June 5, while traveling from the community of San Rafael and bound to the city of Atalaia do Norte.
The two had previously received threats from loggers and miners for their work with local indigenous people, something that raises extreme fears for their safety.
Brazilian police and the navy said they’re aware of the case and displaying search teams. Local indigenous people also sent search parties in the area.
Climate Tracker urges Brazilian authorities to display urgent search missions, doing everything in their power to bring the two men to safety. Our thoughts are with Phillips’ and Araujo’s worried colleagues, families and friends.
The Amazon rainforest is becoming a risky environment for reporters and activists, fueled by criminal organizations who are destroying the pristine forests and inflicting violence in local communities.
We call on Brazilian authorities to guarantee a drastic change in this threatening environment for journalists, as access to information is crucial for a healthy climate and should not come at the expense of basic human rights. Climate Tracker heavily condemns any form of violence towards journalists.