“Mapuche organizations call on international agencies to intervene on behalf of Chile’s Indigenous population”, 21 April 2021

...On March 3, 2021, the Chilean Chamber of Deputies approved Resolution Project 1448, allowing President Sebastián Piñera to decree a State of Constitutional Exception and deploy armed forces to Mapuche territory in the Zona Sur (the southern zone)...This measure was announced following fierce lobbying by President of the Chilean Federation of Southern Truck Owners José Villagrán, who threatened roadblocks on national highways if President Piñera’s administration “fail[ed] to address arson attacks” against truckers in the Araucanía region...Villagrán has insisted that the arson attacks on trucks—mainly transporting wood products produced by forestry companies based in southern Chile—represent the actions of well-coordinated Mapuche terrorist cells, and blamed the Chilean government for its inaction…The accusations of terrorism levied against the Mapuche range from allegations of arson attacks against trucks and cargo to burning down entire forests. Yet, despite these allegations and the contentious arrest and detention of several Mapuche spiritual and community leaders, the evidence backing these claims remains limited... Mapuche activists blame the fires on commercial forestry companies that have introduced non-native varieties of eucalyptus and pine to Araucanian forests, which have worsened seasonal droughts…Thanks to its rich natural and mineral resources, the area is attractive for investors in the forestry, fishery, energy, and tourism sectors...It is important to note that the recent actions of the Chilean National Congress violate multiple international law charters…