Top court launches ILO convention in Kaiapó indigenous language

Rosa Weber, the chief justice of Brazil’s Supreme Court, launched Monday (Sep. 11) the version of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 169 in the Kaiapó indigenous language.

Under the convention, to which Brazil is a signatory, countries undertake to recognize the rights of indigenous people and their cultural values, stipulating that the peoples must be be consulted beforehand on measures that could affect the community. The international compact came into force in Brazil in 2003.

The launch ceremony was held at the court’s headquarters, which hosted a group of indigenous women, ethnic leaders, and Chief Raoni.

During the ceremony, Rosa Weber advocated dialogue to resolve land conflicts and ensure indigenous rights. “I am convinced that a significant part of the polarization of socio-environmental views stems more from the lack of qualified dialogue between the interested parties and the absence of rational methods of approach,” she argued.

In July, Justice Rosa Weber also launched the Brazilian Constitution in Nheengatu.