Brazil pushed back on Thursday after the UN’s climate chief accused the host country of a serious security lapse at the COP30 summit in Belem. UN climate chief Simon Stiell sent a letter to Brazilian officials after Indigenous protesters forced their way into the venue on Tuesday night. He said security personnel “failed to act.” He accused the hosts of a “serious breach of the established security framework.”

Stiell also listed several weak points. He pointed to unsecured doors and said he lacked clear assurances that security teams would react quickly to intrusions. He noted health and safety risks too, including failing air conditioning and rainwater leaking into lighting fixtures during heavy Amazon downpours.

Brazil Says UN Controls the Inside Zone

Brazil rejected Stiell’s claims. The response, seen by AFP, said, “Internal security within the Blue Zone is the responsibility of the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), which defines how all areas within it will be protected.”

Brazil said federal and Para state authorities worked with UNDSS to reassess the site. They agreed to deploy more security personnel, expand the buffer zone, and strengthen the perimeter with additional barriers. “It is a non-issue now. The issues related to that have been secured,” summit chair Andre Correa told reporters.

Brazil Fixes Infrastructure Issues

Brazil also addressed the venue problems. The statement said, “There was no flooding of the event venue, only localized occurrences such as leaks” caused by broken gutters. Officials said they repaired the damage. They also installed more air conditioning units to stabilize temperatures.

Belem’s Capacity Still Under Question

Belem’s selection as the host city has drawn criticism for months. Critics say the city lacks enough hotel rooms and may not be ready to handle tens of thousands of visitors. Lula has defended the choice. He said the world must come to the Amazon to understand its struggle and its critical role in the climate fight.