Pro-Palestine protests erupt in Rio ahead of G20 summit
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Some participants, wearing traditional Arabic koufiyyeh scarves, joined leftist organizations in calling for broader action on climate change, poverty alleviation, and taxing the super-rich.
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Massive protests against "Israel" and the US for genocide in Gaza during the G20 in Copacabana, Rio. (X, @Gilberto_Rod)
Hundreds of protesters marched along Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana Beach on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Palestinians and addressing global issues just days before global leaders gather for the G20 summit.
The peaceful demonstration, held under steady rain and watched by heavy security, aimed to send a message to the heads of state and government convening in the city on Monday and Tuesday.
Protesters carried Palestinian flags and banners demanding an end to Brazil-"Israel" relations and a halt to military funding for "Israel's" genocidal campaign in Gaza and Lebanon.
Some participants, wearing traditional Arabic koufiyyeh scarves, joined leftist organizations in calling for broader action on climate change, poverty alleviation, and taxing the super-rich.
"We’re here to make a contrast with the G20 summit," Tania Arantes, a member of one of the unions organizing the protest, told AFP.
She argued that the G20 leaders hold economic dominance over nations they consider subordinate and called for urgent reforms to address global inequities.
“Muchos de los países del G20 son financiadores de Israel”, me decía un de las participantes del acto en defensa de Palestina.#PalestinaLibre pic.twitter.com/2lpYZBQ2RG
— André Vieira (@AndreteleSUR) November 16, 2024
Nearby, another protest highlighted global hunger, with activists laying 733 plates marked with red crosses on the sand to represent the 733 million people who experienced hunger last year, according to UN data.
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Plates marked with crosses, symbolizing people suffering from hunger worldwide, are displayed at Copacabana Beach during a protest aimed at drawing the attention of leaders attending the upcoming G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, on Saturday, November 16, 2024. (AP)
Later in the day, a demonstration led by the Articulation of Indigenous People of Brazil focused on the insufficient efforts by wealthy nations to combat climate change.
Read more: Saudi Crown Prince MBS cancels trip to G20 summit in Rio
The protests occurred alongside the G20 Social event, organized by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Activists, NGOs, and civil society representatives presented Lula with a list of action points addressing hunger, poverty, and climate issues to inform discussions at the summit.
Key topics expected to dominate the G20 agenda include Lula’s proposed Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and global initiatives to mitigate climate change.
