Rio's Carnival parade highlights plight of Yanomami amid illegal mining

The parade served as a powerful plea to protect Brazil's largest Indigenous group from the ravages of unauthorized mining activities.

Carnival dancers and musicians in Rio de Janeiro used the event to draw attention to the illegal mining in Yanomami Indigenous lands.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faces pressure to fulfill promises to combat the illegal mining that has led to widespread environmental damage and health crises among the Yanomami.
Despite initial successes in reducing illegal mining activities, authorities report a resurgence, with miners adapting to evade detection and law enforcement.
The Brazilian government's efforts include a record destruction of illegal aircraft and the creation of a dedicated task force, but challenges remain in sustaining these gains.
The parade's imagery and messages underscored the urgency of the situation, calling for global attention and action to safeguard the Yanomami people and their homeland.