The Indigenous Council of Roraima (CIR), representing the Wapichana, Macuxi, Ingarikó, Sapará, Wai Wai, Taurepang, Yanomami and Yekuana peoples, from 255 indigenous communities, publicly REPUDIATES resolution No. 011/2021 of the Municipal Health Council of Boa Vista published on April 5 in the official gazette of the municipality where it recommends that, "The Covid-19 vaccines made available and still in stock for indigenous peoples be reallocated to the urban population of the capital of Boa Vista, for reasons of refusal of indigenous people to be immunized due to their beliefs and customs".
The justification is criminal and absurd, disregarding the fundamental right of indigenous peoples to health, ignoring the historical context in which hundreds of indigenous people were exterminated by pandemics. The performance of the public authorities, especially health agencies, to serve indigenous communities in this pandemic period continues to be fragile and inefficient.
We reaffirm that we do not accept that our communities are sacrificed, and our relatives continue to die in hospitals due to the lack of commitment of the Governor of Roraima, an ally of the President of the Republic, who did not commit to the purchase of a vaccine and who ignores science.
The Municipal Health Council is unaware of the reality of our communities and we do not accept that the vaccines intended for indigenous peoples be reallocated. We do want the vaccines to reach our communities as soon as possible.
Boa Vista, RR April 09, 2021