Red Marker South America
Since 1984, Oxfam America has helped indigenous and rural people in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru—by strengthening farmers' organizations, women's groups, and indigenous associations that represent poor communities. With a stronger voice and the right skills, indigenous and rural people can manage their lands, promote their rights and cultures—and build a better, more prosperous future.
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South America

Oxfam helps indigenous groups in the Amazon lowlands and Andean highlands improve their organizations, manage their natural resources, preserve their culture, and defend their rights.

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The countries in Oxfam America's South America regional program are the poorest in the Andes. Indigenous people, who make up 46 percent of the population, are victims of social and racial discrimination, and are routinely denied access to government services. Most live on ancestral lands that are biologically diverse and fragile.

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The Right of Indigenous Peoples to Prior Consultation: The Situation in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru
This study illustrates the barriers to exercising the right to prior consultation and consent in each of these four countries, and is intended to encourage broad debate.
Case Study: Bolivian Government Consultation with the Guaraní Indigenous Peoples of Charagua Norte and Isoso
Proposed hydrocarbons exploration project in San Isidro Block Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Now we know
A collaboration between local citizens’ committees and officials in Peru shows how communities can create lasting change by holding governments accountable.
People-centered resilience
Working with vulnerable farmers towards climate change adaptation and food security
Empty promises
What happened to 'development' in the WTO's Doha Round?
Suffering the Science
Climate change, people, and poverty
Mining conflicts in Peru: Condition critical
Corporate Social Responsibility in the Mining Sector in Peru
Oxfam Impact January 2008
Landmark victory for indigenous people
Grounds for Change
Market volatility and declining terms of trade, along with inadequate access to infrastructure, financial resources, and market information, put sustainable livelihoods out of reach for millions of rural families.
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Oxfam America report launch: People, power, and pipelines
In June, Oxfam launched People, power and pipelines. The report examines oil and mining development in Peru and the use of government revenues generated by the Camisea gas project.
Oil and mining booms and sustainable development
Lessons from Peru for development planning and revenue management at the national and subnational level.
A new generation
Meet Eneyda, a young Machiguenga woman navigating the confusing waters connecting her remote indigenous community, and the environmental threats and economic opportunities presented by the Camisea gas project.
Big changes in the Amazon
The Camisea Gas Project is bringing significant changes to the Urubamba region. Despite contributing millions to Peru's government, local leaders say the project has done little to change rates of poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition.
Climate change wake-up call
You know about global warming. You may already be doing your part to protect the environment. But, climate change is a human issue too—it's hitting the poorest people hardest.
Water is life
High in the cloud forest of Piura, local communities understand the importance of the area's water and medicinal plants. They warn the proposed Rio Blanco copper mine would be catastrophic to the fragile environment here.
Lifeblood at risk
In northern Peru, small-scale farmers can earn more by growing organic products. They say the rush to mine for copper in the mountains above their farms would contaminate the region and put their futures at risk.
Copper in the Clouds
In Peru, local governments, community leaders, and farmers say the proposed Rio Blanco Copper Mine would be devastating to local communities. Where drinking water is scarce, pollution could lead to an environmental disaster.
Standing up for justice
In 2005, thousands of unarmed Peruvians peacefully protested against the Rio Blanco Copper Mine. Cleofé Neyra describes how she and 27 others were tortured and their struggle to defend their land and human rights.
Follow the Money
Standing at the pump, watching the numbers tick away, do you ever wonder where the money goes? People on the other end of the pipeline are wondering too.
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La Oroya, Peru: Poisoned town
American-owned Doe Run polluted this small mountain community for more than a decade. Now citizens are joining with Oxfam to hold the company accountable.

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A message from Peru's forgotten farmers
At 15,000 feet above sea level, rural food producers battle back against climate change and poverty.

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A new law changes the landscape for Peru's indigenous people
Oxfam and partners joined forces to support the consultation law, which gives communities greater decision-making power over their natural resources and economic development.

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Food price spikes
After decades of progress, the number of people without enough to eat has reversed course and is increasing. It could soon top one billion. That's more than one in seven people going to bed hungry. Today. In the 21st century.

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The right to be consulted
Without effective prior consultation mechanisms, human rights violation continue in the Andean region.

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Fighting destiny
A heroine considers her role in re-aligning attitudes in Peru.

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Local approach to fighting racism
Start with helping people confront their own attitudes, then change local laws to protect basic rights.

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Setting a good example
Jesus Nazareno’s anti-discrimination ordinance is a model for others in the area.

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The injustice of racism
How racism and discrimination contribute to poverty for indigenous people in Peru.

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Waiting for justice
In Peru, indigenous people are awaiting legislation that would uphold their rights—rights to be consulted about oil, gas, mining, and other economic development projects on their lands.

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Now we know
A collaboration between local citizens’ committees and officials in Peru shows how communities can create lasting change by holding governments accountable.

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New tool helps communities focus on human rights
A new system will help community members do their own analysis of the effects of foreign investment on human rights.

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Rains across Peru destroy crops, small businesses, and thousands of homes
Oxfam partner works to install toilets and distribute hygiene kits to families living in temporary shelters.

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In Peru, farmers and shopkeepers wonder how they will begin again after destructive rains
Heavy rainfall in Peru has caused flooding and left widespread damage, including the destruction of homes, crops, and small businesses.

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Oxfam emergency response experts assess quake in Chile
The five-member team, including water engineers, will be ready to help local partners who can respond to the 8.8-magnitude temblor.

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New potential for conflict in Peru’s Amazon
Madre de Dios could be next flashpoint in ongoing confrontation between indigenous communities and foreign oil, gas, and mining companies.

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Peruvian singers join worldwide campaign against climate change
Bid to draw Peruvians’ attention to UN Copenhagen Conference

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British High Court freezes mine company assets
Monterrico Metals will be required to compensate injured people and their communities if courts in the UK find the company responsible for human rights violations.

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Following the money in Latin America
Where revenue from mining and oil comes from—and where it goes—can be hard to determine in Latin America.

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Climate change affecting Peru right now
Farmers report changing weather and negative effects on livelihoods.

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