Posted on 19-4-2004

Lula Betrays Brazil's Indigenous Peoples
From Survival International, 16 Apr04

The Brazilian Amazon has this week seen an explosion of violence, with
both Indians and diamond miners being killed and beaten. Hundreds of
indigenous representatives are now gathering in the capital, Brasilia, to
protest against government policies. A mass lobby of Congress is planned
for 19 April, the annual 'Day of the Indian'.

Despite clear commitments in his election manifesto to demarcate Indian
lands and to defend their rights, President Lula has failed to tackle the
pressing problems which have led to an explosion of violent conflicts
throughout the country.

This week there have been violent confrontations between the Cinta Larga
tribe and diamond miners who have illegally invaded their reserve in the
western Amazon. Miners responsible for killing several Cinta Larga last
year returned to the Indian reserve. As the Indians tried to defend their
land, conflict broke out and at least three miners died.

In reprisals for these killings, a Cinta Larga Indian was paraded by
miners in the mining town of Espigão do Oeste on 10 April, tied to a tree
and stoned and kicked for hours. Only the intervention of the police saved
him from being lynched. Cinta Larga girls as young as 14 have been forced
into prostitution by miners and many Indians have been assaulted and
threatened since the mine was illegally opened in 2001.

In the northern Amazon the government has continually delayed recognition
of the Raposa-Serra do Sol territory - home to over 12,000 Indians.
Encouraged by local politicians, colonists and ranchers have invaded the
area. At least 12 Makuxi Indians have been murdered by ranchers during the
last 15 years. The situation is extremely tense as the government has
hinted it may reduce the size of the reserve to hand Indian land to
outsiders.

In the southern state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the Guarani are in a
desperate fight to regain their land. The land situation is so acute that
some communities live by the side of the road with no land or hope for the
future. Malnutrition is common and Guarani children as young as nine have
commited suicide.