In a letter sent this week, the UN warns that one of the rural grassroots projects in Congress backed by Bolsonarism threatens to cause “irreversible” loss for Brazil and create a “major setback” in the country. The criticism refers to the project pending in the House of Representatives, which proposes that the country withdraw from Convention No. 169 of the International Labor Organization (ILO).
One of the main weapons of traditional peoples and communities around the world, the agreement entered into force in Brazil nearly 20 years ago and details the principles as well as the implementation of the social, territorial, health, education and labor rights of indigenous peoples and quilombolas. traditional communities and mines.
Also in 2019, Bolsonaro’s government formed a working group to question and demand Brazil’s departure from the agreement, seen by the most radical wing as an obstacle to the country’s development. At that time, due to this contract, works in the field of infrastructure and highways were prevented, especially in the north.
In order for the exit to take place, MP Alceu Moreira presented the Draft Legislative Decree 177/2021 (PDL), which is currently being processed in the Assembly, which will authorize the President to repeal Convention No. 169. Gaucho was the parliamentary president. close to the countryside stall and President Jair Bolsonaro.
However, in an official letter obtained only by the column, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warns of the risks of such a move on behalf of the House of Representatives and therefore Brazil. “The High Commissioner says that the final ratification of Law 177/2020 will bring irreparable harm to the country, particularly in the context of actions to promote the development and rights of indigenous peoples and traditional communities, in opposition to international commitments undertaken by the Brazilian State, South America Document signed by District Representative Jan Jarab.
According to him, withdrawing from the agreement would “fundamentally jeopardize the country’s commitments to achieving the highest human rights standard and would represent a major setback.” The letter was addressed to Congressman Orlando Silva (PCdoB-SP), chair of the House Human Rights and Minorities Committee.
To reach this conclusion, the UN requested a detailed analysis conducted by Deborah Duprat. According to the study, the project “reveals, on the one hand, how widespread, persistent, and deep-rooted discrimination against indigenous peoples in Brazil, and on the other hand, the extent of ignorance of these rights—whether intentional or not—peoples in domestic and foreign order”.
According to the UN, ILO Convention 169 is an important mechanism for guaranteeing the human rights of indigenous peoples and traditional communities. “The Convention reaffirms the right of peoples to self-determination and guarantees respect for human rights, with particular attention to their original way of life,” the letter said. it was said.
source: Noticias
