Brazil: barracks planned on Indian land
Copyright 2001 Amanaka'a Amazon Network
September 10, 2001
Yanomami Indian land is again under threat after the minister of defence referred to a 'mistake' in its demarcation, and the need to 'revise' - that is, reduce - the area. The Yanomami are completely dependent on the reservation which was established in 1992 following an international campaign led by the Yanomami-support group, CCPY, and, internationally, by Survival. Reducing it would be a catastrophe as miners and loggers would quickly flood in.
Another threat is already present from the three army barracks there. Relations between soldiers and Indian women are spreading sexually transmitted diseases, yet a fourth barracks is now planned near the Yanomami settlement of Ericó. In fact the army has recently announced its intention to build a whole string of barracks along Brazil's northern frontier. This will bring massive disruption to the Yanomami and Makuxi Indians.
One of the planned barracks is near a Makuxi village, Uiramutã, inside the Raposa-Serra do Sol Indian reservation. The Makuxi strongly oppose it, citing expected problems with disease, alcohol and road-building. Meanwhile, the very existence of the Indian reservation is now being opposed in court by ranchers and local politicians.
Please write expressing your concern about these issues to:
Exmo Sr Presidente F H Cardoso
Palácio do Planalto
Praça dos Três Poderes
70150-900 Brasília DF
Brazil