A/HRC/41/18 V. Groups at risk A. Indigenous peoples 60. Indigenous peoples make up 2.5 per cent of the population of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and there are more than 50 indigenous groups. 45 Individually, they face the same challenges to their human rights as the general population, often disproportionately, and/or in a differentiated manner. They also face challenges to their collective rights as indigenous peoples. 61. The economic and social rights of many indigenous peoples have been disproportionately affected by the humanitarian situation, particularly their rights to an adequate standard of living, including their right to food and their right to health. The closure of the borders of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela 46 in February 2019 had dire consequences for indigenous groups whose traditional territories span both sides of the border, such as the Wayuu. 62. Indigenous peoples’ collective rights to their traditional lands, territories and resources are being violated. They have lost control of their land, including from militarization by State actors. The presence of State actors has led to violence and insecurity in indigenous peoples’ territories in recent years, in addition to the presence of organized criminal gangs and armed groups. 63. Mining, particularly in Amazonas and Bolívar states, including in the Orinoco Mining Arc, has resulted in violations of various collective rights, including the right to maintain customs, traditional ways of life and a spiritual relationship with the land. Mining also has serious environmental and health impacts, such as an increase in cases of malaria and the contamination of waterways. The presence of mining operations has had a differentiated impact on indigenous women and girls, who face an increased risk of human trafficking. The failure to consult indigenous peoples regarding mining activities amounts to a violation of their right to consultation. 64. OHCHR documented seven deaths of indigenous peoples in violent circumstances in 2019. Indigenous authorities and leaders, including women, are often subjected to threats and attacks by State actors, which has an impact on their right to self-determination. In Bolívar State, Pemon communities who oppose the Government, particularly indigenous authorities and leaders, face targeted repression by State actors. 65. In February 2019, violent incidents occurred in Pemon territory in the context of the possible entry of aid from nearby Brazil. They did not happen in isolation, however, but amid tensions between the Government and the Pemon community, who have reported increased insecurity, including killings during the past year. 66. On 22 February, soldiers opened fire on members of the Pemon community of Kumaracapay, killing 3 people and wounding 12 others. During these events, four soldiers were held by Pemons, and reported suffering ill-treatment. On 23 February, the Bolivarian National Guard used excessive force against individuals, both indigenous and nonindigenous, in and around the town of Santa Elena de Uairén, including against people heading to the border to receive aid. Witnesses described the attacks and chaos lasting throughout the day and evening, stating that the Bolivarian National Guard shot indiscriminately from armoured vehicles at close range, as well as describing attacks against the local hospital. Due to a lack of medicine and supplies, those injured were transferred to a Brazilian hospital 200 km away, where many received surgery and will face months of rehabilitation. OHCHR confirmed 7 people were killed (four indigenous, three non-indigenous) and 26 were injured by gunshot, as a result of the actions by military 45 46 Instituto Nacional de Estadística, “Censo Nacional de Población y Vivienda 2011”, available from www.ine.gob.ve/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=95&Itemid=9#. The borders of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela were closed on 22 February 2019. The borders with Aruba and Brazil were reopened on 10 May 2019 and the border with Colombia was partially reopened on 10 June 2019. 13