Indigenous leaders of the Raposa Serra Indigenous Land do Sol denounced the presence of illegal mining, threats to leaders and human rights violations during a virtual hearing held on this Friday (6) with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples - UN, Albert Barume.
The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Indigenous Council of Roraima (CIR), in Boa Vista, and was organized by the legal department of the organization. For about an hour, the leaders presented to the rapporteur the current situation of the indigenous territory and the impacts caused by the activity prospector.
The meeting was attended by the general tuxaua of the CIR, Amarildo Macuxi, the coordinator of the Serras region, Djacir Macuxi, the coordinator from the Surumu region, Jesus Nazareno Alves, the tuxaua of the Camararém community, Maria Vanilda de Lima, the traditional leader Edinho Batista, and the coordinator of the women of the Surumu region, Naiza de Souza Lima.
The hearing was also supported by the director of program of the Rainforest Foundation, Cristine Halvorson, and the organization Rights of Indigenous Peoples International.
According to the CIR's legal counsel, the hearing aimed to bring direct information from the leaders to the system international for the protection of human rights. "This hearing was fundamental to present to the rapporteur the violations of rights that continue happening in Raposa Serra do Sol and to reinforce the need for international monitoring of the situation," said the press office of the organization, Junior Nicacio Wapichana.
During the meeting, the leaders reported the situation Raposa Serra do Sol, highlighting the presence and increase of mining the use of toxic substances such as cyanide, in addition to threats to indigenous leaders and cases of violence that remain unpunished.
The general tuxaua of the CIR, Amarildo Macuxi, highlighted the risks faced by indigenous leaders in the defense of the territory. "We continue suffering threats and living with impunity. There are cases of violence against indigenous leaders who have remained unanswered for decades. We are fighting to protect our territory and our communities," he said.
The coordinator of the Serras region, Djacir Macuxi, It also highlighted the limitations imposed on indigenous autonomy and the right to self-governance. "Recent decisions and the lack of respect for consultation with the Indigenous peoples end up limiting our right to decide about our territory and the exclusive usufruct guaranteed by the Constitution," he said.
The coordinator of the women of the Surumu region, Naiza de Souza Lima, drew attention to the social impacts caused by the illegal mining in the communities.
"Mining brings many problems into the communities, such as drugs, alcoholic beverages and the enticement of young people. The women and families end up suffering directly from these consequences," reported.
Before closing the hearing, Amarildo Macuxi asked the rapporteur to recommend that the Brazilian State carry out a urgent operations for the immediate removal of miners from the indigenous land, reinforced permanent inspection and the adoption of measures to protect the territories and indigenous leaders.
"Our request is that there be concrete actions to remove the miners, strengthen inspection and ensure protection for our leaders and communities," he declared.
At the end of the meeting, the rapporteur, Albert Barume, He said that he will follow up on the complaints presented by the leaders. According to the information received will contribute to the monitoring of the situation of the indigenous peoples in Brazil.
Barume also pledged to send a letter to the Brazilian government to bring these voices to a higher level of attention and dialogue. "The testimony of leaders is essential to understand the reality faced by indigenous peoples. This information will be considered in the international monitoring of indigenous rights", said the rapporteur.