Brazilian bishops: protect rights of indigenous peoples

October 27, 2014

Following a recent court decision, the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil has issued a statement of support for the rights of indigenous peoples to their ancestral lands, according to a Fides news agency report.

“The guarantee of the territories of indigenous peoples is a right achieved and ratified in the federal constitution, through the arduous struggle of many people of Brazilian society,” the episcopal conference stated.

“Unfortunately, economic interests have prevented the demarcation of indigenous lands, which is the realization of the constitutional right,” the statement continued. “Therefore, most of the indigenous peoples of Brazil continue to live in exile from their land because of the historical dispossession and violence committed against their communities.”

 

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Further information:

• Bishops’ statement: "No backtrack on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples" (Fides)