Size of Wales stands in solidarity with our partner, the Wampis Nation of northern Peru following a violent ambush that highlights the urgent threats facing Indigenous Peoples around the world.
On 12 July 2025, a patrol of 60 Wampis community guards that form part of the Charip territorial group, was ambushed while monitoring illegal gold mining near Fortaleza along the Santiago River. They had planned a peaceful mobilization along the river with the aim of stopping illegal mining that undermines the balance of Mother Earth. The armed assailants used explosives and gunfire against the Wampis mission. Thankfully, no one was injured, although their boat suffered damage and a teacher’s jacket was pierced by a bullet. The mission followed the Peruvian government’s abrupt withdrawal from a planned joint enforcement operation, leaving the Wampis without necessary support.
The Wampís have reported an increase in illegal mining in the region with more than 30 dredgers operating in open impunity.
“We, Indigenous peoples, have a historic obligation to care for and protect our territory and prevent its destruction. Mining has significant negative impacts on society, including sexual violence against women, disease, social conflicts between families and communities, and family abandonment. We cannot continue to allow these acts and the permanent destruction of our territories and biodiversity. The Wampís Nation is part of the Peruvian State; we have declared ourselves an Indigenous Government to guarantee the continuity of the cultural system of conservation and protection of our territories, which are a millennia-old legacy. We will not stand by while our rivers are poisoned and our forests destroyed. The Peruvian government made commitments it has now failed to honor, so we are acting to defend our territory and the future of our people. This is our duty as Wampís, guided by Tarimat Pujut – our vision of life in balance with nature” said Galois Flores Pizango, Pamuk Ayatke [Vice President] of the Wampís Nation.
Size of Wales calls on the UK Government to raise this urgent issue with Peruvian counterparts, advocating for the protection of the Wampís Nation;
- The Peruvian Government to restore and guarantee planned joint enforcement operations to address illegal mining alongside the Wampis Autonomous Territorial Government;
- The international community to support Indigenous-led forest governance and protection efforts, recognising their role in climate justice and biodiversity conservation.
“If we are serious about protecting rainforests, we must stand with the people who live in them and risk their lives to defend them”, said Barbara Davies-Quy, Deputy Director of Size of Wales.
