A group of protesters forced their way into the COP30 UN climate talks in Belém, Brazil, on Wednesday, interrupting the sessions attended by representatives from nearly 200 nations.
Journalists from the BBC reported chaotic scenes as UN security staff and Brazilian soldiers tried to control the crowd, urging delegates to evacuate immediately. Online videos showed demonstrators carrying placards as they pushed past the venue entrance.
The Brazilian authorities told the BBC that the protesters appeared to include indigenous communities alongside political activists. The UN confirmed that the demonstrators managed to cross the first line of security but were blocked from reaching the main conference halls.
A security officer speaking to Reuters said he was struck on the head by a drum thrown during the unrest. The full extent of injuries or arrests has not yet been disclosed.
The talks are being held on the outskirts of the Amazon rainforest, home to many indigenous groups who have consistently spoken out against deforestation and environmental degradation caused by climate change.
The COP30 meeting brings together world leaders and senior negotiators to discuss global climate commitments, conservation strategies, and measures to protect vulnerable ecosystems like the Amazon from further damage.
