Thousands of Indigenous people have gathered in the Brazilian capital, for a five-day protest defending their land and cultural rights. It's against what they say are unfulfilled promises by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, to protect reserves and expel land-grabbers from their territories.

Brasília

Thousands of Indigenous peoples gathered in the Brazilian capital for a five-day event, marking a significant mobilization for the defense of their lands and cultural rights. This assembly is a protest against what is described as unfulfilled commitments by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, particularly the protection of Indigenous reserves and the expulsion of land-grabbers from these territories.

The event attracted leaders from over 100 Indigenous tribes. This year, the gathering also commemorates the 20th anniversary of their annual campout. It served as an occasion to highlight the enduring struggles against invasions by illegal miners, poachers, and loggers, despite two decades of advocating for their territories. Representatives expressed the ongoing battle for recognition and protection, amidst increasing threats to their homeland.

The situation in the Brazilian Amazon, notably affecting the Yanomami people, exemplifies the severe impacts of illegal mining. The unauthorized activities have led to mercury contamination of rivers, compromising the health, and sustainability of the local environment and resident communities. The government, under President Lula, initiated efforts to address these issues, including deploying a national task force. However, challenges persist as illegal miners return, exacerbating the community's suffering with continued exposure to mercury.

The report underscores the alarming health crisis within Indigenous communities, with a significant majority displaying high levels of mercury in their system. The pervasive mercury poisoning has culminated in severe health consequences, including birth deformities among new generations. This health emergency is echoed by the Munduruku people who share similar grievances.

The protesters emphasized the need for concrete action beyond governmental support, pointing out the formidable resistance from powerful agricultural influences in Congress. They outlined strategies to extend their advocacy beyond community borders, intending to leverage legal avenues and political pathways to safeguard their territories.



Indigenous tribes march for justice in Brazil

Chanting in different rhythms and tongues, but marching as one. Leaders of more than 100 indigenous peoples have gathered in Brazil's capital to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their annual campout, but also to raise their voice against the persistent violence they endure. We've come a long way these past two decades claiming our territories, but while more indigenous lands have been demarcated, we have also suffered more invasions from illegal miners, poachers and loggers. It's a never-ending struggle. Far from Brasilia, in the Brazilian Amazon, a stark portrayal of the ongoing tragedy faced by the Yanomami people. For years they have borne the brunt of illegal mining activities. Their rivers poisoned with mercury, rendering water undrinkable and fish inedible. In 2023, soon after taking office, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sent a national task force to expel the invaders from the reserve and combat what he termed a genocide. More than a year has gone by and nothing has changed. As soon as the armed forces left, the illegal miners returned. Every day we see their planes coming and going, sometimes 15 per day. A recent report shows that 94% of our people have high levels of mercury in their blood. Our people are being poisoned and our women are afraid to bear children. The Munduruku, like the Yanomami, face the same problem. The effects of mercury poisoning are not immediate. They show up with time. We feel headaches. We feel weak. Our children are born with deformities. President Lula has promised to halt deforestation to increase the number of indigenous reserves. Protesters say a lot more must be done. Brazil's indigenous people here say they've come to realize that having government support is not enough. They're still facing strong resistance from the powerful farm lobby in Congress. Activists say they'll expand the fight from their villages to the country's courtrooms and electing their own politicians to save their lands. Monica Yanakev, Aljazeera, Brasilia.

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