Indigenous leader Américo Pascuala murdered while protecting territory in Peru's Ucayali

Américo Pascuala Tomisha, a 57-year-old indigenous leader of the Ashéninka people, was killed on August 23 while defending his community's territory in the Yurúa district of Peru's Ucayali region. Pascuala, who was monitoring and guarding the native community of Onconashari, died from gunshot wounds sustained during a confrontation with individuals allegedly engaged in copaiba oil extraction on communal land.

The Regional Organization Aidesep Ucayali (ORAU), which represents 21 indigenous peoples in the region, strongly condemned the attack. Pascuala had previously reported the presence of settlers and outsiders within his territory. ORAU has called for the immediate intervention of the Public Prosecutor's Office to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice for the perpetrators.

The organization also highlighted the vulnerability of indigenous communities in border areas like Yurúa, citing limited state presence and unauthorized activities. ORAU is urging the state to reinforce institutional presence and security measures in these territories. They also criticized the existing protection mechanisms for indigenous defenders, stating they are failing to prevent attacks on leaders.

"Territorial defense cannot continue to claim the lives of those who protect the Amazon," ORAU stated, demanding that the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights strengthen actions to effectively protect those defending their lands.

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Territorial defense cannot continue to claim the lives of those who protect the Amazon.