Rising Violence Against Indigenous Peoples Highlights Banks’ Responsibility

A new report from Brazil’s Indigenist Missionary Council (Cimi) reveals a worsening situation for Indigenous Peoples in Brazil, with territorial conflicts, invasions and killings all rising in 2025. The report recorded 169 conflicts over Indigenous land and 210 cases of invasions, illegal resource extraction and other damage to Indigenous territories, with many linked to pressure for mining, agriculture and major infrastructure projects.

For banks financing companies and projects in these sectors, the findings are a reminder that responsibility does not stop at the point of lending: banks must carry out robust due diligence on clients and projects, identify risks to Indigenous Peoples and ensure that their rights—including the right to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)—are respected before providing finance. With economic pressure on Indigenous territories continuing to grow, banks have a critical role to play in preventing their financing from contributing to land conflicts, environmental destruction and violence.