The coronavirus pandemic has left indigenous peoples at particular risk because so many have poorer health and less access to health care. By thevmilko
In this April 24, 2020, photo, provided by the Indigenous People Alliance of the Archipelago, indigenous peoples from the Buntao’ community in Indonesia’s North Toraja regency in South Sulawesi Province use a wooden barrier to block off their village. Indigenous peoples across the archipelago are locking down their villages in an effort to protect their communities from the coronavirus.
While there are, of course, vast differences among indigenous groups, including lifestyle and socioeconomic factors, the United Nations estimates that the life expectancy of indigenous people can be up to 20 years lower than that of their counterparts. A recommendation from the Australian government underscored the disparities.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms. But for some, especially those with health problems and older people, it can cause more severe illness and lead to death. “Many people that are able to are simply running back into the forest, running back up the mountain, trying to get away from the urban settings to get away from potential vectors,” he said. “They simply closed down, put up obstacles, and block the roads going into their territories.”
While many marginalized groups are finding themselves at risk, the stakes may be even higher for indigenous people who were already struggling to maintain their traditions and keep the world at bay, like those in the Amazon rainforest who have long contended with encroachment on their lands by loggers, miners and farmers.
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