Olivia Arévalo Lomas was an indigenous defender of cultural and environmental rights and a leader in preserving the cultural heritage and knowledge of her people. Like many defenders, Olivia Arévalo Lomas suffered the consequences of a lack of government protection and a guarantee to exercise her rights without being harmed. This murder is added to the 197 cases of earth right defenders killed in Latin America in 2017 according to the United Nations.
Violence against earth rights defenders is a serious problem in Peru, that has not been addressed by the government, despite its alleged commitment to adopt adequate protection mechanisms. Therefore, we urge the Peruvian government to implement, without further delay, effective mechanisms for the comprehensive protection of human rights defenders throughout the country.
We demand that national authorities conduct a diligent and effective investigation to punish those responsible for this reprehensible murder. We also demand protection for Olivia Arévalo Lomas’ family and community.
We are in solidarity with indigenous women and earth rights defenders around the world and with the Shipibo Konibo community.