Land Defender's Disappearance Sparks Alarm Amid Rising Indigenous Deaths in Land Conflicts

Breaking News Missing Land Defender Julia Chuñil: A Deadly Toll on Indigenous Communities A 72-year-old Chilean land defender, Julia Chuñil, has gone missing after venturing into the woods to search for lost livestock. Her disappearance is part of a disturbing trend: 146 land and environmental defenders were killed or went missing worldwide last year. Timeline November 2022: Julia Chuñil disappears while searching for livestock in Chile's Valdivian forest. December 2022: Family and friends launch a search effort, involving over 100 people. January 2023: The search continues, with no signs of Chuñil found. Immediate Impact The disappearance has sparked outrage among Indigenous communities and human rights groups. "We're still in the dark," said a family member. "This is not just about Julia; it's about the many others who have been killed or disappeared while defending their lands." Background Context Land conflict is a growing concern globally, with Indigenous communities often at the forefront of resistance against encroachment on ancestral territories. Last year, 146 land and environmental defenders were killed or went missing, according to a report by Global Witness. What Happens Next The Chilean government has launched an investigation into Chuñil's disappearance. Human rights groups are calling for greater protection for land defenders and an end to the deadly toll of land conflict on Indigenous communities worldwide. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Theguardian reporting.*