AdvertisementAn Indigenous demonstrator is held by a staff member as protesters force their way into the venue hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), in Belem, Brazil, on Nov 11, 2025. (Photo: Reuters/Anderson Coelho)12 Nov 2025 09:27AM Bookmark Bookmark WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedInRead a summary of this article on FAST.Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try.Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FASTFAST BELEM, Brazil: Dozens of Indigenous protesters forced their way into the COP30 climate summit venue on Tuesday (Nov 11) and clashed with security guards at the entrance to demand climate action and forest protection.Shouting angrily, protesters demanded access to the United Nations compound where thousands of delegates from countries around the world are attending this year's UN climate summit in the Amazon city of Belem, Brazil.Some waved flags with slogans calling for land rights or carried signs saying, "Our land is not for sale.""We can’t eat money," said Gilmar, an Indigenous leader from the Tupinamba community near the lower reaches of the Tapajos River in Brazil, who uses only one name. "We want our lands free from agribusiness, oil exploration, illegal miners and illegal loggers."Security guards pushed the protesters back and used tables to barricade the entrance. A Reuters witness saw one security guard being rushed away in a wheelchair while clutching his stomach.Another guard with a fresh cut above his eye told Reuters he had been hit in the head by a heavy drumstick thrown from the crowd. Security confiscated several long, heavy sticks. Demonstrators, including Indigenous people, take part in a protest as they force their way into the venue hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), in Belem, Brazil, on Nov 11, 2025. (Photo: Reuters/Anderson Coelho)Demonstrators, including Indigenous people, take part in a protest as they force their way into the venue hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), in Belem, Brazil, on Nov 11, 2025. (Photo: Reuters/Anderson Coelho)The protesters dispersed shortly after the clash. They had been in a group of hundreds who marched to the venue.Security guards later allowed delegates to exit the venue, having earlier asked them to move back inside until the area was clear. Within the compound, the UN is responsible for security."Earlier this evening, a group of protesters breached security barriers at the main entrance to the COP, causing minor injuries to two security staff, and minor damage to the venue," a spokesperson said in a statement."Brazilian and UN security personnel took protective actions to secure the venue, following all established security protocols. Brazilian and UN authorities are investigating the incident. The venue is fully secured, and COP negotiations continue."Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has highlighted Indigenous communities as key players in this year's COP30 negotiations.Earlier this week, dozens of Indigenous leaders arrived by boat to participate in the talks and demand more say in how forests are managed.In a separate interview on Tuesday, a prominent Indigenous leader told Reuters that many from the Indigenous communities were upset with ongoing industry and development projects in the forest. Raoni Metuktire, also known as Chief Raoni, urged Brazil to empower native peoples to preserve the Amazon.COP30: Climate diplomacy at a crossroads, 10 years after Paris accordCommentary: Can COP still save the planet despite its flaws?Source: Reuters/rlSign up for our newslettersGet our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inboxSubscribe hereGet the CNA appStay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best storiesDownload hereGet WhatsApp alertsJoin our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat appJoin hereAlso worth readingContent is loading...