Indigenous Families Endure Extreme Cold Outdoors in Paraguay Amidst Official Neglect

In Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay, a stark humanitarian crisis is unfolding as approximately 50 indigenous individuals from the Guakikua community find themselves living in the open for over three months. Displaced by a conflict within their own communities, these families are enduring severe hardship, exposed to the elements and the biting cold of recent days. Their situation is dire, with many lacking even basic tents and resorting to sleeping on cardboard, a clear violation of human dignity.

The community leader, Silvio Duarte González, has voiced their desperate plight, explaining that they were forced to abandon their previous settlement due to internal disputes. Since then, they have appealed to both the Paraguayan Institute for Indigenous Affairs (INDI) and the Caaguazú Governorate's Indigenous Affairs representatives for provisional shelter, tents, blankets, and food. Tragically, these pleas have gone unanswered, leaving the community vulnerable and without essential support.

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We have been asking for assistance for tents, food, and blankets for the children, given the low temperatures recorded these days.

The situation highlights a critical failure in governmental response and support systems for indigenous populations in Paraguay. While the INDI acknowledges the community's demands for provisions and land, it cites a lack of resources and the perceived disorganization of the groups as hindrances to effective aid. The Caaguazú Governorate reportedly provides periodic food assistance, but it is consistently deemed insufficient. This ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for immediate intervention to provide dignified living conditions for these families and address the systemic issues that leave vulnerable communities exposed and neglected.

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The groups are very disorganized, they do not have a fixed leader and constantly move from one community to another, a situation that makes efficient management difficult.