Latin America Advisors – Inter-American Dialogue

LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

A daily publication Of the dialogue

August 26, 2024

How Well Is Brazil Protecting Indigenous Groups?

Violence over land rights is increasingly affecting Indigenous groups in Brazil. Members of the Guaraní-Kaiowá community are pictured. // File Photo: Brazilian Government

Q

On Aug. 3, armed assailants attacked the Indigenous Brazilian community of Guaraní-Kaiowá, injuring at least eight people. Disputes over land rights in Brazil’s south and southwest have increasingly escalated into violence between settlers and Indigenous communities, many of which have yet to obtain the legal protections that come with the demarcation of Indigenous reserves. The Guaraní-Kaiowá expressed concern over the lack of intervention from Brazil’s National Public Security Force, and human rights groups have claimed that uncertainty regarding the demarcation process is fueling violence against Indigenous populations. How well is President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivering on his campaign promises for increasing protections for Indigenous peoples? What are the root causes driving the current increase in murders of Indigenous people in Brazil? What can Brazil’s government do to address these security threats, and what roadblocks are stalling the demarcation process?

A

Robert Muggah, co-founder of the Igarapé Institute: “The Lula administration is underperforming when it comes to protecting Indigenous people. Expectations were high in early 2023 after the creation of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, the restructuring of FUNAI and the appointment of Indigenous leaders to key positions. At the time, Lula called for accelerated land demarcation, a reduction in violence and invasions of territories, and expanded access to social assistance including health and education. Despite increased spending, it soon became apparent that…”

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The Inter-American Dialogue publishes the Latin America Advisor every business day for a distinguished membership of informed corporate leaders, scholars, and government officials invested in Latin America’s development and future. The Advisor‘s highly regarded Q&A section covers questions submitted by subscribers themselves. Commentators regularly include heads of state, business leaders, diplomats, economists, analysts, and thought leaders from around the world. Many of the world’s largest and fastest-growing companies subscribe to the Advisor. To subscribe, click here. For terms and conditions, click here. For more information, contact Gene Kuleta, editor of the Advisor, at gkuleta@thedialogue.org.

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Thomas F. McLarty III
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Ernesto Revilla
Head of Latin American Economics, Citi

Gustavo Roosen
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