Brazilian indigenous protest against change in land recognition rights

Approximately 6 thousand indigenous people from 170 ethnic groups are camping in Brasília as Brazil’s Supreme Court deliberates on a cut-off date for land recognition rights. The issue should start being discussed in a session held today (Aug. 26).

Since last Sunday, the indigenous people have set up a camping site dubbed Luta pela Vida (“Fight for Life”), in the Esplanade of Ministries, where they are visited by supporters from society and politicians. A number of acts of protest were staged against the measures that may limit land recognition rules and against violence targeting indigenous people, like land invasion.

The piece under deliberation stipulates that any territory is only to be recognized if it was occupied on October 5, 1988, when the current Federal Constitution was approved.

Another issue concerning the indigenous is a 2007 bill that, in addition to introducing the cut-off date, transfers to Congress the power to decide on the recognition of indigenous territories – Fabio Rodrigues-Pozzebom/AgênciaBrasil

The motion submitted to the Supreme Court is a request for repossession from the Santa Catarina state government against the Xokleng people. The decision applies generally and will affect all court deliberations as well as administrative and legislative motions across the country.

Marcos Sabaru, political advisor from the Articulation of Indigenous People of Brazil (Apib), is critical of how comprehensive the ruling may be. In his view, it is unconstitutional to condition such distinct situations among indigenous peoples to a specific situation taking place in a state.

Another issue concerning the indigenous is a 2007 bill that, in addition to introducing the cut-off date, transfers to Congress the power to decide on the recognition of indigenous territories, currently under the responsibility of the Executive.

The text was analyzed by the lower house Constitution and Justice Committee and must be voted on in a floor session.