In a major defeat for the Brazilian government, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights granted interim measures requested by indigenous groups and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Rejecting Planalto Palace’s position, the entity demands that the state take action to “take the necessary measures to effectively protect the life, personal integrity, health, and access to food and drinking water of members of Indigenous Peoples.” “kwana and Munduruku”.
For the government, the situation is not an emergency scenario.
In the ruling document obtained by the column, the Court requests that the government take the necessary measures to prevent sexual exploitation and violence against women and children of beneficiary Indigenous Peoples, in addition to adopting culturally appropriate measures to prevent spread and reduce transmission. Preventing diseases, in particular COVID-19, by providing beneficiaries with adequate medical care in accordance with applicable international standards.
The court’s decision is binding. However, the business does not have the means to compel the government to comply with its recommendations. Despite this, observers say the law adds to the embarrassment of the Bolsonaro government abroad and will serve legal entities, companies or business blocs to ultimately evaluate their relationship with Brazil.
The Court further requests that measures be taken to protect the life and personal integrity of the indigenous leaders of the endangered beneficiary Indigenous Peoples. After several complaints against the country this is one of the main concerns of the business.
The business still wants details on how to implement the planning for their protection. Bolsonaro’s government will have until September 20 to inform the Court what it will do to comply with its decisions.
The Commission for the Americas submitted its request for interim measures, claiming that the situation of the indigenous population was “extremely risky”.
“As for members of the Yanomami and Ye’kwana Indigenous Peoples, the Commission noted that a state of violence in the region would have effects on the lives and integrity of the proposed beneficiaries, consisting of conflicts between the indigenous people and unauthorized persons who would find themselves illegally exploiting the ores in the region”.
According to the above, these conflicts arise from the exploitation of minerals, especially gold, in indigenous lands and the struggle of communities against these actions.
Such a scenario would entail threats to the life and persecution of indigenous leaders who condemn the growing presence of unauthorized persons on their lands and the alleged illegal mining.
The complaint also mentioned attacks by miners using firearms, which could even lead to the death of indigenous children. The Commission also cites “frequent threats by miners against indigenous people in WhatsApp groups, with messages clearly indicating their intention to continue and intensify armed attacks on indigenous communities”.
During the process, Bolsonaro’s government “rejected the Commission’s request, claiming it was unfounded due to the uncharacterized state of extreme seriousness and urgency”. The Government further stated that most of the facts cited by the Commission had already been taken into account by this body when adopting the precautionary measures and insisted that there was no “deliberate action” by the State.
source: Noticias
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