After returning to Brazil, Mr. Benki Piyãko, recipient of the 43rd Niwano Peace Prize, together with his family, his brothers, and the Asháninka people of the Apiwtxa community, has been subjected to serious threats, including death threats, from criminal organizations involved in illegal logging and drug trafficking. Today, every member of the community—including adults and children—is living in fear and insecurity
In response, the Niwano Peace Foundation issued an official statement to bring this grave situation to wider public attention and help deter any acts of violence. Mr. Piyãko and other Asháninka leaders have also met with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and the statement has been presented to the Office of the President as an official expression of concern from a Japanese organization.
We hope that people throughout the world will learn about the situation facing Mr. Piyãko and the Apiwtxa community and will share this statement widely. Through such collective attention, we sincerely hope that their safety and peace will be restored and that those responsible for these threats will choose the path of conscience.
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Download the statement (PDF) in English, Português and 日本語 below
