The Council for the articulation of Indian Peoples and
organizations of Brazil (CAPOIB) delivered a document to President
Fernando Henrique Cardoso yesterday claiming that the Brazilian
government should not promote any amendments to decree 22/91, which
provides for the procedures to be adopted in the demarcation of Indian
lands. The document was given to the president together with a list of
claims of rural social movements articulated under the ''Grito Terra
Brazil'' (Shout for the Brazilian Land), a movement which held its
second annual meeting last month. The following entities are
promoting the ''Shout'': Single Workers Association (CUT),
Confederation of Agricultural Workers (Contag), Landless Movement
(MST), Movement of individuals affected by Dams (MAB), National
Council of Rubber-Gatherers, National Fishermen Movement (MONAPE),
Organization of Female Rural Workers and Capoib.
In Capoib's document, the entity says that the proposal for
amending decree 22/91 contemplating the review of demarcated lands and
the participation of private individuals and corporations in the
administrative procedure for the demarcation of Indian lands will
cause serious consequences to Indian peoples. According to Capoib,
''it
only strengthens the interests of those who systematically oppose the
rights of Indian peoples to lands traditionally occupied by them,
including military sectors, in relation to Indian lands located
close to the border.'' In Capoib's opinion, all acts aimed at the
possession, domain and occupation of Indian lands are null under the
Federal Constitution. The entity declared that ''there is no acquired
right against the Constitution and, therefore, there is no right being
violated.''
The entity warns that the amendments to decree 22/91 will delay
even more the demarcation of Indian lands, making room for new
conflicts and stimulating acts of violence against the affected
communities. In conclusion, it asks the federal administration
''to act firmly and with determination to ensure our rights, resuming,
at last, the demarcation of our lands.''
Considering the seriousness of the facts that can happen, we are
asking you to send a note to President Fernando Henrique Cardoso and
to the Minister of Justice, Nelson Jobim, in support of the Brazilian
Indian movement and against the proposed amendments to Decree 22/91.
The notes are to be sent to the following addresses:
President Fernando Henrique Minister Nelson Jobim
Cardoso Esplanada dos Ministerios -
Palacio do Planalto, 3o andar Bloco T
70160-900 - Brasilia - DF 70064-900 - Brasilia - DF
Fax: (061) 226-7566 Fax: (061) 224-2448
Brasilia, 02 de junho de 1995.
Conselho Indigenista Missionario - CIMI