AMERICA : BRAZIL : BISHOPS DEFEND INDIGENOUS LAND CLAIMS

Agenzia Fides REPORT - The National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB) has sent to Fides the note presented to the press on April 24, concerning the defense of territories and the rights of indigenous people, of the Quilombolas, fishermen and other traditional peoples.
In this note, the Brazilian Bishops deeply regret "the postponement of the administrative process of demarcation," as "the invasion and exploitation of the lands of the traditional people." The text draws attention to the "conditions of discrimination and murders that happen to the Guarani-Kaiowá people in Mato Grosso do Sul." According to the Bishops it is a "genocide" that stains the image of Brazil as a country that defends human rights. "We reject vehemently the attack unleashed by the ruralistic group and other segments of the National Congress, to the rights of indigenous peoples, considered in our Constitution, through the project of the constitutional amendment, the PEC 215/2000," the statement said. The Bishops already spoke on the subject a few days ago (see Fides 18/04/2012).
During the press conference, the President of the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT), Bishop Enemésio Lazzaris, Bishop of Balsas, said that great works such as building dams and facilities for the exploitation of mineral resources, have a great impact on these communities, and end up evicting them from their territories. "The territory is more than the land itself, a relationship that is built where you live, where their ancestors lived, where they grew up and where families are formed," said Mgr. Lazzaris.
The President of the Episcopal Commission for the Amazon, Cardinal Claudio Hummes, in his speech said that the Amazon has a specific role in the global context, and so the local population should first be heard on issues that directly involve them. "They should be able to decide what is important to them. Their lands are invaded and they are trampled on" the Cardinal said. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 26/4/2012)

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