Brazil increases security presence at COP30 in Belem after UN complaint about Indigenous protesters breaching venue, denies responsibility for interior security.
BELEM: Brazil has rejected a United Nations complaint about security failures at the COP30 climate summit while simultaneously increasing its security presence at the venue.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell criticised Brazilian security personnel for “failing to act” when dozens of Indigenous protesters forced their way inside the summit on Tuesday night.
His letter to Brazilian officials described a “serious breach of the established security framework” and highlighted vulnerabilities including unsecured doors.
The complaint also raised concerns about malfunctioning air conditioning and rainwater from Amazon downpours seeping into lighting fixtures.
Brazil responded that “internal security within the Blue Zone is the responsibility of the UN Department of Safety and Security.”
Federal and Para state authorities conducted a security reassessment with UNDSS following the incident.
The reassessment resulted in decisions to increase security personnel numbers and expand the buffer zone.
Additional physical barriers have been installed to strengthen the perimeter around the venue.
“It is a non-issue now. The issues related to that have been secured,” said Brazilian diplomat Andre Correa do Lago.
Regarding infrastructure problems, Brazil acknowledged only “localized occurrences such as leaks” from broken gutters.
The response noted that all reported leaks had already been repaired before the complaint.
Additional air conditioning units have been installed to address climate control concerns.
The choice of Belem as host city had been controversial due to accommodation shortages and preparedness concerns.
President Lula has defended hosting the summit in the Amazon region to showcase its climate importance.
He emphasized bringing the world to the Amazon to highlight its struggle against climate change. – AFP
