<p>An Amazon Indigenous community of just 121 people is facing the prospects of a full-blown epidemic as more than 100 members experience flu-like symptoms. The Korubo people, who live in Brazil’s Javari valley, continue to live with little interaction with the outer world. It was only in 1996 that they were contacted by a government official. In 2022, Indigenous advocate Bruno Pereira and journalist Dom Phillips were also killed in the region.</p>

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<p>According to local experts, the community is extremely vulnerable in current conditions. “The vulnerability of this community is extremely high; any infection can quickly escalate into an epidemic,” said Manoel Chorimpa, a local leader and adviser at OPI, an organisation dedicated to protecting Indigenous groups in voluntary isolation and those recently exposed to urbanisation.</p>

<h2><strong>22 cases of pneumonia registered</strong></h2>

<p>News portal The Guardian cited health officials as saying that at least 101 members of the community have been diagnosed with symptoms, 22 of whom have progressed to pneumonia. Notably, 15 of them are aged below nine years.</p>

<p>Earlier, the COVID-19 pandemic also affected the most community members.</p>

<p>To address the problem and provide healthcare to the Korubo people, a boat service was started by the authorities in 2023 which was supposed to cross the Ituí River and then serve the patients. However, currently, it remains parked along the banks of the Ituí River, requiring patients to travel there instead.</p>

<p>“This has already subverted the boat’s purpose,” said Luisa Suriani, another OPI adviser. “When someone is sick and heads over, the whole family tags along, setting up camp on the riverbank, which makes it easier for diseases to spread.”</p>

<h2><strong>Malaria and diarrhoea</strong></h2>

<p>People in the Javari Valley also grapple with high rates of malaria and diarrhoea, further exacerbating their health conditions.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China moves beyond Australia, Brazil for its own Iron ore; China's strategic investment in Africa</strong></p>

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<p>According to the country’s health ministry, only a fifth of the villages have access to sanitation facilities. Between 2018 and 2022, 134 people died in the area, 34 per cent of whom were aged below a year.</p>

<h2><strong>What carries diseases to them?</strong></h2>

<p>Despite the Indigenous communities’ limited interaction with the outer world, their health conditions have severely been affected by invasions by illegal miners, loggers, fishers, hunters and drug gangs.</p>

<p>This worsened under the administration of Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro, who halted enforcement and slashed environmental budgets, leading to surges in deforestation and illegal activity in the region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An Amazon Indigenous community of just 121 people is facing the prospects of a full-blown epidemic as more than 100 members experience flu-like symptoms. The Korubo people, who live in Brazil’s Javari valley, continue to live with little interaction with the outer world.

An Amazon Indigenous community of just 121 people is facing the prospects of a full-blown epidemic as more than 100 members experience flu-like symptoms. The Korubo people, who live in Brazil’s Javari valley, continue to live with little interaction with the outer world. It was only in 1996 that they were contacted by a government official. In 2022, Indigenous advocate Bruno Pereira and journalist Dom Phillips were also killed in the region. Also read: Elon Musk under inquiry after defying Brazil judge`s `unconstitutional` order to block certain X accounts According to local experts, the community is extremely vulnerable in current conditions. “The vulnerability of this community is extremely high; any infection can quickly escalate into an epidemic,” said Manoel Chorimpa, a local leader and adviser at OPI, an organisation dedicated to protecting Indigenous groups in voluntary isolation and those recently exposed to urbanisation. 22 cases of pneumonia registered News portal The Guardian cited health officials as saying that at least 101 members of the community have been diagnosed with symptoms, 22 of whom have progressed to pneumonia. Notably, 15 of them are aged below nine years. Earlier, the COVID-19 pandemic also affected the most community members. To address the problem and provide healthcare to the Korubo people, a boat service was started by the authorities in 2023 which was supposed to cross the Ituí River and then serve the patients. However, currently, it remains parked along the banks of the Ituí River, requiring patients to travel there instead. “This has already subverted the boat’s purpose,” said Luisa Suriani, another OPI adviser. “When someone is sick and heads over, the whole family tags along, setting up camp on the riverbank, which makes it easier for diseases to spread.” Malaria and diarrhoea People in the Javari Valley also grapple with high rates of malaria and diarrhoea, further exacerbating their health conditions. Watch: China moves beyond Australia, Brazil for its own Iron ore; China's strategic investment in Africa × According to the country’s health ministry, only a fifth of the villages have access to sanitation facilities. Between 2018 and 2022, 134 people died in the area, 34 per cent of whom were aged below a year. What carries diseases to them? Despite the Indigenous communities’ limited interaction with the outer world, their health conditions have severely been affected by invasions by illegal miners, loggers, fishers, hunters and drug gangs. This worsened under the administration of Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro, who halted enforcement and slashed environmental budgets, leading to surges in deforestation and illegal activity in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

In Brazil, Amazon tribe faces full-blown epidemic as 80% members show flu-like symptoms

Thousands marked Australia's national day on Friday with "Invasion Day" rallies in support of the country's Indigenous community, many of whom want to drop celebrations or move the date.

Australia: Thousands protest in solidarity with indigenous people; 'Invasion Day' rallies held

<p>Australia’s second-longest serving prime minister John Howard said that the country is “lucky” to have been colonised by the Britishers.</p>

<p>He made these remarks in reference to the upcoming referendum that is due to take place this year to give the Indigenous Australians—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders—a constitutional right to be consulted by the government on laws that impact them.</p>

<p>If the referendum gets through, Australia's First Peoples will have a greater say over the laws and policies that affect them.</p>

<p>Speaking to Australian Newspaper on his 84th birthday about the upcoming vote, Howard, who led Australia from 1996 until 2007, called colonisation "inevitable".</p>

<p>"I do hold the view that the luckiest thing that happened to this country was being colonised by the British," he said.</p>

<p>“Not that they were perfect by any means, but they were infinitely more successful and beneficent colonisers than other European countries."</p>

<p>He said that aim of the government should have been “how to lift up Aboriginal people, and put them in the mainstream of the community, finding out ways of doing it,” instead of focussing to push for a dedicated "voice" for Indigenous Australians.</p>

<h2><strong>Referendum bound to fail</strong></h2>

<p>Moreover, Howards made a bold prediction by claiming that the Indigenous Voice to parliament will fail “miserably” when Aussies will vote on it.</p>

<p>He argued that the proponents of Indigenous Voice to parliament have not spelt out to Australians how the advisory body will lead to better health, education and social outcomes for Indigenous people.</p>

<p>“Shouldn’t we just be sitting down talking to each other?” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-coup-attempt-in-nigeria-presidential-palace-sealed-off-military-being-mobilised-619600">Another coup attempt in Niger? President Mohamed Bazou detained by guards</a></p>

<p>“Not about the Voice, not about reparations, not about treaties, but just talking about how to lift up Aboriginal people, and put them in the mainstream of the community, finding out ways of doing it. It’s going to be hard. It’s going to take a long time. It’s going to be less successful than we would like. But why are we doing this to ourselves?”</p>

<h2><strong>Campaign losing steam?</strong></h2>

<p>The Albanese government has said Australians will vote in the national poll between October and December.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/tucker-carlson-claims-to-know-fox-news-fired-him-under-dominion-settlement-619635">Tucker Carlson claims he 'knows' Fox News fired him under Dominion settlement</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, local media reported that the support for the referendum has been dwindling, and the supporters are urging for the referendum to be delayed or even called off.</p>

<p>A poll by Resolve Political Monitor over the weekend has showed that a majority of NSW voters are now supporting the “No” campaign.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Australia’s second-longest serving prime minister John Howard said that the country is “lucky” to have been colonised by the Britishers. He made these remarks in reference to the upcoming referendum that is due to take place this year to give the Indigenous Australians—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders—a constitutional right to be consulted by the government on laws that impact them.

Australia’s second-longest serving prime minister John Howard said that the country is “lucky” to have been colonised by the Britishers. He made these remarks in reference to the upcoming referendum that is due to take place this year to give the Indigenous Australians—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders—a constitutional right to be consulted by the government on laws that impact them. If the referendum gets through, Australia's First Peoples will have a greater say over the laws and policies that affect them. Speaking to Australian Newspaper on his 84th birthday about the upcoming vote, Howard, who led Australia from 1996 until 2007, called colonisation "inevitable". "I do hold the view that the luckiest thing that happened to this country was being colonised by the British," he said. “Not that they were perfect by any means, but they were infinitely more successful and beneficent colonisers than other European countries." He said that aim of the government should have been “how to lift up Aboriginal people, and put them in the mainstream of the community, finding out ways of doing it,” instead of focussing to push for a dedicated "voice" for Indigenous Australians. Referendum bound to fail Moreover, Howards made a bold prediction by claiming that the Indigenous Voice to parliament will fail “miserably” when Aussies will vote on it. He argued that the proponents of Indigenous Voice to parliament have not spelt out to Australians how the advisory body will lead to better health, education and social outcomes for Indigenous people. “Shouldn’t we just be sitting down talking to each other?” he said. Also read | Another coup attempt in Niger? President Mohamed Bazou detained by guards “Not about the Voice, not about reparations, not about treaties, but just talking about how to lift up Aboriginal people, and put them in the mainstream of the community, finding out ways of doing it. It’s going to be hard. It’s going to take a long time. It’s going to be less successful than we would like. But why are we doing this to ourselves?” Campaign losing steam? The Albanese government has said Australians will vote in the national poll between October and December. Also read | Tucker Carlson claims he 'knows' Fox News fired him under Dominion settlement Meanwhile, local media reported that the support for the referendum has been dwindling, and the supporters are urging for the referendum to be delayed or even called off. A poll by Resolve Political Monitor over the weekend has showed that a majority of NSW voters are now supporting the “No” campaign. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Australia lucky to be colonised by Britishers, says Ex-PM John Howard

Life and culture of Huaorani tribe - an Indigenous community in the Amazon rainforest

<p>Four Indigenous children who had survived an air crash were rescued from the Colombian Amazon after they wandered there for 40 days. They were left stranded in the jungle after their plane travelling between Araracuara and San Jose del Guaviare crashed on May 1, killing three adults, including the mother of the minor kids.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports have mentioned that siblings Lesly, Soleiny, Tien Noriel and Cristin — aged 13, nine, five and one, respectively — were receiving treatment at a military hospital in Bogota. But after their stunning rescue, a custody battle has started among their relatives, with the father of two of them facing accusations of domestic violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agencies quoted welfare officials as saying on Monday (June 12) that the kids are recovering and in "high spirits". In a video sent to the media, Adriana Velasquez of the Colombian Family Welfare Institute said that the children have been colouring, and drawing. "They love to talk," she said, further mentioning that they are even drawing a picture thought to depict a missing army search dog.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-rescued-in-amazon-after-40-days-survived-on-cassava-flour-roots-603134">Children rescued in Amazon after 40 days survived on cassava flour, roots</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The kids are expected to stay at the hospital for several days and during the same period, the authorities will interview family members to decide who should take the responsibility of taking care of them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The maternal grandparents want custody as they are vying with the father for the two youngest children. They have requested to assign a caseworker to the children, said Astrid Cáceres while speaking during an interview with BLU radio.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cáceres, who is the head of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare, said, "We are going to talk, investigate, learn a little about the situation." She further added that the agency has not ruled out that they and their mother may have experienced domestic abuse.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said, "The most important thing at this moment is the children's health, which is not only physical but also emotional, the way we accompany them emotionally."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-deforestation-down-31-as-lula-makes-good-on-his-election-promise-602084">Amazon deforestation down 31% as Lula makes good on his election promise</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Columbia Amazon miracle: Father of two survivors speak on ordeal&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Eldest pulled youngest sister from plane wreckage</strong></h2>

<p>The children's grandfather said on Monday that the eldest of the four children pulled her youngest sibling from the wreckage. In videos posted by the defence ministry, grandfather Narciso Mucutuy said that the oldest sister, Lesly, pulled the youngest child, Cristin, from the plane. Lesly has been hailed by authorities for showing courage during difficult circumstances.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mucutuy said at the Bogota military hospital where the children are being treated that "when she looked and saw that her mother was dead, she saw the feet of her youngest sister where the three dead were and she pulled her out."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Four Indigenous children who had survived an air crash were rescued from the Colombian Amazon after they wandered there for 40 days. They were left stranded in the jungle after their plane travelling between Araracuara and San Jose del Guaviare crashed on May 1, killing three adults, including the mother of the minor kids.

Four Indigenous children who had survived an air crash were rescued from the Colombian Amazon after they wandered there for 40 days. They were left stranded in the jungle after their plane travelling between Araracuara and San Jose del Guaviare crashed on May 1, killing three adults, including the mother of the minor kids. Reports have mentioned that siblings Lesly, Soleiny, Tien Noriel and Cristin — aged 13, nine, five and one, respectively — were receiving treatment at a military hospital in Bogota. But after their stunning rescue, a custody battle has started among their relatives, with the father of two of them facing accusations of domestic violence. News agencies quoted welfare officials as saying on Monday (June 12) that the kids are recovering and in "high spirits". In a video sent to the media, Adriana Velasquez of the Colombian Family Welfare Institute said that the children have been colouring, and drawing. "They love to talk," she said, further mentioning that they are even drawing a picture thought to depict a missing army search dog. Also read: Children rescued in Amazon after 40 days survived on cassava flour, roots The kids are expected to stay at the hospital for several days and during the same period, the authorities will interview family members to decide who should take the responsibility of taking care of them. The maternal grandparents want custody as they are vying with the father for the two youngest children. They have requested to assign a caseworker to the children, said Astrid Cáceres while speaking during an interview with BLU radio. Cáceres, who is the head of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare, said, "We are going to talk, investigate, learn a little about the situation." She further added that the agency has not ruled out that they and their mother may have experienced domestic abuse. She said, "The most important thing at this moment is the children's health, which is not only physical but also emotional, the way we accompany them emotionally." Also read: Amazon deforestation down 31% as Lula makes good on his election promise Watch: Columbia Amazon miracle: Father of two survivors speak on ordeal × Eldest pulled youngest sister from plane wreckage The children's grandfather said on Monday that the eldest of the four children pulled her youngest sibling from the wreckage. In videos posted by the defence ministry, grandfather Narciso Mucutuy said that the oldest sister, Lesly, pulled the youngest child, Cristin, from the plane. Lesly has been hailed by authorities for showing courage during difficult circumstances. Mucutuy said at the Bogota military hospital where the children are being treated that "when she looked and saw that her mother was dead, she saw the feet of her youngest sister where the three dead were and she pulled her out." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Colombia plane crash: Rescued kids face custody battle between relatives

The Amazon is being weakened by illegal logging, mining. Calling out the government for better protection of indigenous reserves in the rainforest, the indigenous people representing a cross-section of the native amazon tribes rallied in Sao Paulo.

WION Climate Tracker | Brazil indigenous communities urge better rainforest protection

Brazil's indigenous chief Raoni Metuktire asked for financial help to face the COVID-19 pandemic, dubbing the virus a "serious problem."

Brazil's indigenous chief Raoni pleads for financial during COVID-19 crisis