Motion supporting the indigenous peoples in Brazil
Resolution adopted on June 12, 2013 by VI International Conference of la Via Campesina
We, the member organizations of Via Campesina International, gathered at the VI International Conference, express our concern for the current situation of the Indigenous Peoples of Brazil.
Brazil is undergoing intense pressure from capital, with the complicity and support of the Brazilian State and Governments, regarding peasant, indigenous, quilombola and fishing territories.
The development model adopted by the Brazilian Government is based on large capital projects, which are obtained through the advancement of mining projects, hydroelectric power stations, motorways, the diversion of the San Francisco River, railways, and the monocultures of agribusiness. The advancement of capital in rural areas has caused the dismantling of Brazilian legislation guaranteeing the protection of traditionally occupied territories.
This attack against the territories has led to the increase of conflicts involving indigenous peoples in Brazil, which has resulted in murders and threats against indigenous leaders and support organizations.
The reason there is currently a conflict in the occupation of these territories is because the Brazilian State allowed, neglected or even encouraged this occupation. Therefore, the Brazilian State is responsible for recognizing, demarcating and respecting the indigenous territories, and resettling and compensating peasant families, thus ensuring a permanent solution to the conflict.
In defence of the land and food sovereignty of the Peoples, La Via Campesina acknowledges that the Territories of the Indigenous Peoples are sacred and therefore demands their respect and demarcation by the Brazilian State as established by the Federal Constitution, international treaties such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169 and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
For Land and People’s Sovereignty, in Solidarity and Struggle!