Report Documents Big Business Attacks and Killings of Indigenous Peoples

By Derrick Broze, Anti Media, November 2, 2015

(ANTIMEDIA) Washington D.C. — A new report highlights a trend of violence against indigenous peoples of Brazil, as well as a high rate of infant mortality and illegal exploitation of natural resources on indigenous land.

On October 21, Eliseu Lopes, a leader with the Guarani-Kaiowá people, Lindomar Ferreira, leader of the Terena people, Cleber Buzatto, Executive Secretary of the Indigenous Missionary Council (CIMI), and indigenous Ecuadorians spoke at the headquarters of Amazon Watch in Washington D.C. The community leaders discussed the increase in violations of indigenous rights throughout Brazil. It also announced the release of the English edition of CIMI’s Report on Violence Against Indigenous Peoples in Brazil – 2014.

Of particular concern is the humanitarian crisis facing the Guarani-Kaiowá people in Mato Grosso do Sul. The Guarani-Kaiowá are the second largest indigenous population in Brazil. According to the report, in 2014 alone, 138 murders and 135 suicides occurred in indigenous communities. 41 of the murders and 48 of the suicides were committed in Mato Grosso do Sul.

Intercontinental Cry also notes that Eliseu Lopes previously spoke to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Switzerland regarding the harrowing situation unfolding in indigenous Brazilian communities.

“My people are dying, are subjected, every day, to attacks and massacres… but the Brazilian government presents no solution. It is because the demarcation of our lands has been paralyzed that the violence, rape and torture done by thugs and gunmen of the region increase. The government defends the interests of big business and fazenda owners (large-scale farmers) of sugarcane, eucalyptus, soy, corn and cattle. They have high profits, while we are dying,” Lopes told the UN.

On October 20, Lopes, Ferreira, and Buzatto spoke at a hearing of the Inter-American Human Rights Commission (IACHR) of the OAS, Organization of American States. The indigenous leaders denounced armed militias, which have been used to suppress native communities. They also called for a boycott of agricultural products from Mato Grosso do Sul that are specifically produced on traditional indigenous lands.

Download in English: Report on Violence Against Indigenous Peoples of Brazil 2014 Data

Download in Portuguese: Relatório Violência Contra os Povos Indígenas no Brasil Dados 2014

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