Indigenous Peoples continue to be excluded from COP30 and storm the gates of the “Blue zone”

Thursday November 13, 2025

Belém, Brazil

Despite COP 30 being branded as the “Indigenous COP” thousands of Indigenous people continue to lack the resources and proper accreditation to enter the official “Blue Zone”, or the negotiation spaces, in Belém, Brazil. Indigenous Peoples from various communities are relegated to the “Green Zone”, or the public zone, or the Indigenous Peoples Village where they are often treated as decoration or attractions for the public. While there continues to be a lot of progress for the inclusion of language that reflects respect for Indigenous rights, we continue to be sidelines and excluded from the spaces where colonial states are making decisions about our lands, waters, territories and peoples.

The frustration of local Indigenous Brazilian peoples and allied movement organization culminated with them storming the entrance of the COP30 Blue Zone demanding entrance and a platform to voice their concerns. For the first time in COP history security was breached and resulted in a dramatic altercation between the security and representatives of Indigenous Peoples and movement organizations.

We are at a tipping point and over 30 years of negotiations have not successfully decreased emissions, safeguarded ecosystems or protected human and Indigenous rights. It has been those on the frontlines, Indigenous Peoples and our allies, that have been protecting and safeguarding the planet. Now more than ever we need to stand in solidarity with those on the frontlines and the defenders of life.

Below is a statement released by the International Indian Treaty Council that summarizes the event and outlines why support for those excluded is critical.

The Woven project stands in solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples and allies who faced violence at the hands of UN security and will continue to advocate for the voices of ALL Indigenous Peoples inside and outside of the COP30 spaces. We will continue to be on the ground here at COP30 to participate in with the global Indigenous Peoples movement for climate justice to follow the negotiations, the actions and the outcomes of this year’s climate conference. Stay tuned to learn more.