Rainforest Foundation UK is pleased to learn that Angel Pedro Valerio, president of the Central Asháninka Del Río Ene (CARE), has resumed his duties following the annulment of a preliminary arrest warrant against him by the Peruvian Attorney General's Office. CARE has indicated that this arrest warrant was issued against the Indigenous leader and human rights defender in an irregular manner and that there was a lack of evidence linking his participation in the tragic case of the disappearances of four people in the community of Puerto Ocopa, Peru, which occurred in April 2023.

Rainforest Foundation UK calls on the Peruvian justice authorities to conduct the investigation of this case with full respect for due process, transparency and impartiality, guaranteeing respect for the rights of Mr Valerio and the Asháninka communities he represents and those who are still being investigated for these disappearances. We also ask for support of the victims' families. Furthermore, we urge the international community to remain vigilant on this matter and recognise the importance of supporting Indigenous leaders who defend their territories and collective rights.