Land Defender Julia Chuñil Vanishes Amid Escalating Violence Against Indigenous Communities in Chile

Breaking News Missing Land Defender Julia Chuñil's Disappearance Highlights Deadly Toll of Land Conflict on Indigenous People Santiago, Chile - January 10, 2023 - A 72-year-old land defender, Julia Chuñil, has gone missing in the Valdivian forest of Chile, sparking widespread concern and outrage. According to a report by Global Witness, Chuñil is one of 146 land and environmental defenders who were killed or disappeared worldwide last year. Timeline November 2022: Julia Chuñil went missing while searching for lost livestock with her dog Cholito. Weeks-long search effort by family members and local authorities yielded no results. January 2023: Global Witness releases report highlighting the alarming number of land defenders killed or disappeared in 2022. Immediate Impact The disappearance of Julia Chuñil has sent shockwaves through Chile's Indigenous community, with many calling for greater protection and accountability. "We're still in the dark about what happened to Julia," said a family member. "It's a tragedy that highlights the deadly toll of land conflict on our people." Background Context Land defenders are individuals who work to protect their communities' lands from encroachment, exploitation, or destruction. Indigenous communities worldwide face disproportionate threats to their lands and livelihoods due to extractive industries, agriculture, and urbanization. What Happens Next The Chilean government has promised a thorough investigation into Chuñil's disappearance. Global Witness is calling for greater international action to protect land defenders and hold perpetrators accountable. "This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for governments and corporations to respect Indigenous rights and prioritize human life over profits," said a spokesperson. As the search for Julia Chuñil continues, her family and community remain hopeful that she will be found safe. The international community is watching closely, demanding greater action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Theguardian reporting.*