Norman Morrison; Brazil - an American Perspective

Luis Inacio Lula da Silva
President of the Federative Republic of Brazil
Fax.: 011 55 61 411 2222
E-mail: pr@planalto.gov.br

Dear Mr. President:

As someone (or "organization") concerned with sustainable development, human rights, and Indigenous peoples, we have followed closely the sweeping call for change that brought you to power in Brazil.

We are aware of and laud you for your longstanding commitment to social issues. Given your history and that of your new administration, we are confident that Brazil will take enormous strides in recognizing
Indigenous rights, including the right to land, as guaranteed in the Constitution.

From what we understand, it is not difficult to conclude that one of the most serious situations among Indigenous peoples in Brazil today is that of the lack of official recognition of Raposa Serra do Sol. Located in the state of Roraima, Raposa Serra do Sol is the traditional land of the Macuxi, Wapixana, Taurepang, Patamona and Ingarico peoples, numbering some 15,000. Without final ratification, the area remains invaded by miners, squatters, and townships, to the detriment of Indigenous communities. Indeed, Indigenous peoples are the principal victims of the situation, as conflicts continue and multiply. Due to
this situation, tension is high in the area, and is reaching a breaking point with the recent murder of a Macuxi man from the community of Maturuca. This murder is the latest in a series of human rights abuses
committed in the area over the years. Hopefully, it is also the last.

Final ratification of Raposa Serra do Sol had been prevented by a legal challenge in Brazilian courts since 1999. This issue was resolved in late November of last year, however, and arguments against the full recognition of Raposa Serra do Sol were denied. Today, there are no legal arguments preventing the President of the Republic from ratifying the area.

We therefore respectfully request that you consider ratifying the demarcation of Raposa Serra do Sol. It is the last major unresolved issue in terms of demarcation of Indigenous lands in Brazil. We have followed the demands of the Indigenous peoples of Raposa Serra do Sol through successive governments, and their pleading is long overdue.

Ratification of Raposa Serra do Sol represents both a challenge and an opportunity. We understand you have been there yourself, so you certainly see the challenges. But as you have pointed out more than
once, your election reflects the moment that hope wins over fear in Brazil. Ratification is an opportunity to guarantee a future without fear and full of hope for the Indigenous peoples of Raposa Serra do Sol.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,

Cc:

Marcio Tomaz Bastos
Minister of Justice
Fax: 011 55 61 3226817
No e-mail currently available.

Nilmario Miranda
Secretary of State for Human Rights
Fax: 011 55 61 226 7980 or 011 55 61 223 2260
No e-mail currently available.

Artur Nobre Mendes, President,
National Indian Foundation (FUNAI)
Fax: 011 55 61 226 8782
E-mail: artur.mendes@funai.gov.br