Landmark Decision: Inter-American Court Rules Ecuador Violated Rights of Uncontacted Indigenous Peoples in Amazon

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights made a groundbreaking ruling on Thursday, declaring that the Ecuadorian government had violated the rights of uncontacted Indigenous peoples residing in the Amazon rainforest. This decision has significant implications for Ecuador’s powerful oil industry.

The court mandated that the Ecuadorian government must ensure that any future expansion or renewal of oil operations does not impact Indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation. Specifically, the ruling focused on three groups of Indigenous peoples – the Tagaeri, Taromenane, and Dugakaeri – who have chosen to remain uncontacted with the outside world.

The violation of these groups’ rights occurred when the Ecuadorian government allowed oil drilling to proceed within portions of Yasuni National Park, where uncontacted groups are known to inhabit. The court emphasized the importance of protecting the territories of Indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation, as they are particularly vulnerable to environmental impacts.

Furthermore, the court ordered Ecuador to abide by the results of a 2023 referendum in which voters opted to halt oil operations in the region indefinitely. This ruling marks the first time an international court has addressed the protection of people living in voluntary isolation.

The court highlighted that the rights of these Indigenous groups extend beyond physical territories to include cultural identity, health, food security, housing, and overall environmental conditions necessary for a dignified life. Measures were also directed at preventing third parties, such as illegal loggers, from encroaching on uncontacted peoples’ lands.

The ruling suggested that the government may need to expand the protected area of rainforest, known as the “Intangible Zone,” to safeguard the rights of the Tagaeri, Taromenane, and Dugakaeri. This area is crucial for the survival and cultural practices of these Indigenous groups.

The decision also impacts other Indigenous communities that share territories with the aforementioned groups or live nearby, including the Waorani people. The history of forced contact and displacement by American Christian missionaries and the oil industry has significantly impacted these communities.

The court’s ruling sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in the Amazon region and underscores the importance of respecting their rights and territories. It serves as a reminder of the need for governments and industries to prioritize environmental protection and Indigenous rights in their decision-making processes.