The Indigenous Council of Roraima (CIR) publicly asks for justice and immediate action with the Hutukara Yanomami Association (HAY) for the murder of two indigenous people of the Moxihatëtëma people who live in voluntary isolation. According to the HAY complaint, the indigenous people were killed in an attack by miners inside the Indigenous territory near the upper Apiaú River, while defending their territory.
Also according to the letter, mining has advanced, invading the territory where isolated peoples live, thus increasing tension in the region.
HAY reiterates that it is not the first case of conflict with deaths of indigenous people in the region. In 2019, indigenous people of the same people were killed by shotgun shots when they tried to defend their swidden from theft by invaders. At the time, the authorities were contacted but did not comment.
We reinforce Hutukara's denunciation and request for justice, as conflicts within Indigenous Lands have increased, in addition to cases of deaths having happened frequently, including the death of children.
That an immediate and complete investigation of the facts be carried out, and that the invaders be removed from the Indigenous Land.
Indigenous Council of Roraima, November 3, 2021