Rural conflicts decreased in 2013

Rural conflicts in Brazil decreased from 1,364 cases in 2012 to 1,266 in 2013, according to the Catholic-affiliated Pastoral Commission on Land (CPT). Their Rural Conflicts 2013 Report (“Conflitos no Campo 2013”) released Monday (Apr. 28) shows that these conflicts most often revolve around land disputes. The number of people involved has also dropped from 648,500 to 573,100.

According to the CPT, it's notable that more indigenous families were involved in rural conflicts in 2013. Out of more than 1,200 cases, 205 are related to indigenous people, especially in the states of Bahia and Mato Grosso do Sul.

“In 2013, it was not always the case that Indians were victims of abuse. In fact, they actively staged 61 operations to reclaim their territories out of the 230 cases reported. These facts challenge the notion of Indians as submissive populations,” the report read.

Disputes over water increased by 32%, sparked by floods and droughts alike according to the CPT. In total, more than 31,100 families were involved in water-related conflicts.

“Conflicts over land or water are more common in locations where the federal government is implementing its projects under the Accelerated Growth Program – mostly large-scale infrastructure projects such as dams. They are carried out within a development framework which doesn't support the rights of local families,” said Enemésio Lazaris, chairman of the CPT.

Translated by Mayra Borges