In the on June 18 and 19, at the Tabalascada Indigenous Community, in the Serra da Lua, municipality of Cantá (RR), the Consultation Workshop on Prevention and Responses to Violence against Children, Adolescents, Young People and Indigenous Women. The activity was promoted by the Department of Women of the Indigenous Council of Roraima (CIR), in partnership with the United Nations Fund Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the International Labour Organization (ILO-Brazil).
O meeting brought together about 150 participants, including indigenous women, youth, tuxauas, traditional leaders, regional coordinators, technical advisors and representatives of the protection network. Present were leaders representing the Alto Cauamé, Amajari, Baixo Cotingo, Itacutu, Murupu, Raposa, Serra da Lua, Serras, Surumu, Tabaio and Wai Wai.
A workshop reaffirmed the role of the CIR in the defense of the rights of indigenous peoples and in strengthening the proper forms of organization, protection and care in the territories. During the two days, the participants discussed the challenges faced by communities in the face of violence against women, children, adolescents and young people, including racism, sexual exploitation, abuse of alcohol, territorial violations, illegal mining and the absence of public policies adequate.
At opening, the coordinator of the Women's Department of the CIR, tuxaua Kelliane Wapichana, highlighted that the confrontation of violence must start from listening to the communities and the empowerment of indigenous women.
"We can no longer remain silent in the face of the violence. When a woman suffers, the whole community suffers. When a child or a young person faces violence, the future of our people is threatened. This workshop Strengthens our women, our leaders and our youth to protect our families, our territories and our lives," he said.
The Discussions highlighted that violence does not occur in isolation. It is linked to threats to territories, social exclusion, racism and fragility of public services. Therefore, the participants defended responses built with the direct participation of communities and with respect to the culture, autonomy and forms of organization of indigenous peoples.
A CIR lawyer, Luciane Xavier Macuxi, reinforced the importance of recognizing the instruments already existing in indigenous communities and regions:
"No We are only here to listen to the institutions. We are here to listen to you, the women, leaders and young people, because you are the ones who know the reality of each territory. Our communities already have their own ways of becoming organize and protect themselves: assemblies, community meetings, tuxauas, regional coordinations, consultation protocols and regulations community and regional institutions. The Legal Department of the CIR works together with the community law operators to defend rights, guide, forward complaints and strengthen these own instruments. These instruments need to be respected and strengthened", he highlighted.
A coordinator of the Youth Department of the CIR, Raquel Wapichana, emphasized that the meeting was aimed at building referrals:
"We are here to debate the theme, but mainly to build solutions together with the communities. Youth need to be heard, protected and included in the decisions that concern our life and our future," he said.
How As a result of the meeting, women, young people and leaders collectively approved the Final Letter of the Workshop. The document brings together complaints, proposals and claims to the Brazilian State, with emphasis on the strengthening of the protection network in the territories; the fight against illegal mining and invasions; actions against the use alcohol abuse; mental health and suicide prevention policies; expansion access to justice; and respect for the peoples' own forms of organization indigenous people.
O Closing featured cultural presentations, traditional songs, dance Parixara and prayer. The CIR reaffirms its commitment to the defense of life, rights and indigenous territories, strengthening women, children, adolescents, youth and leaders. Through its departments, coordinations and grassroots organizations, the CIR will continue to act to prevent and confront violence, support communities and demand State policies effective, respectful public policies built with the participation of the peoples indigenous people.
Final Workshop Letter (opens in new window)