Brazil Indian Foundation opposes transfer of power to demarcate lands

Organization deems change a “backward” move

Published on 24/04/2014 - 17:38 By Ivan Richard reports from Agência Brasil - Brasília

Maria Augusta Assirati, presidente da Funais

Maria Augusta Assirati pointed out that the Brazilian society still lacks the information necessary to understand the indigenous people’s way of lifeElza Fiúza/Agência Brasil

President of Brazil’s National Indian Foundation (“FUNAI”) Maria Augusta Assirati said on Thursday (Apr. 24) at the Chamber of Deputies that a bill currently under consideration, which transfers the power to demarcate indigenous lands from the Union to the National Congress, is “unconstitutional and inappropriate,” and that it represents a “step backwards in land demarcation”.

During a debate at the Human Rights Commission at the Chamber, Assirati pointed out that the Brazilian society still lacks the information necessary to understand the indigenous people’s way of life: where they are, where they live, what their demands are. “Information and education on the topic are lacking, and, although the Brazilian Constitution grants the a set of rights to the indigenous people, the discussion on how these legal instruments are applied has served as a weapon against the indigenous peoples themselves,” she clarified.

FUNAI’s president also expressed her discontent about the structure of the organization, which has not conducted a public exam for admission since 1988. “Our personnel is in urgent need of an update. It needs to change.”

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira


Fonte: Brazil Indian Foundation opposes transfer of power to demarcate lands

Edition: Denise Griesinger / Augusto Queiroz

Latest news