Brazil:
International day of action for demarcation of the lands of the Tupinikim
and Guarani indians
Sample letter
December 12, 2006
Minister of Justice Márcio
Thomaz Bastos Esplanada dos Ministérios, Bloco T, Ministério
da Justiça, 4º. Andar CEP 70064.900- Brasília-
DF Brasil Fax +55 61 3224 4784 or 32241936
e-mail: gabinetemj@mj.gov.br
cc: President Luíz
Inácio Lula da Silva:
pr@planalto.gov.br
Dear Mr. Minister,
Through this letter, we would
like to express our support of the Tupinikim and Guarani indigenous
peoples of Espírito Santo in their fight to demarcate their
land.
On the 12th of September 2006,
FUNAI sent reports on two areas ("Tupiniquim" and "Comboios"),
which together form the ancestral homelands of the Tupinikim and Guarani,
to the Minister of Justice in order to issue two new demarcation acts.
These acts would correct errors committed by a previous Minister of
Justice, and add 11,009 hectares to their area, thus fully recognizing
the rights of the Tupinikim and Guarani to their ancestral lands.
Any additional delays, such as
requesting further studies, would exacerbate the current tense situation
in the area. All past studies of the area have affirmed the rights
of the Tupinikim and Guarani. We are concerned about the present situation
in the region, because Aracruz Celulose is conducting a defamation
campaign against the indigenous communities, inflaming racial stereotypes
and prejudice.
We understand that during a public
meeting in the State Parliament of Espírito Santo on February
9, 2006, both you and the President of FUNAI committed to demarcating
the Tupinikim/Guarani lands as soon as possible, without exceeding
the established legal time limits.
We have no doubts about the rights
of the Tupinikim and Guarani, and are confident that you will do your
utmost to uphold the Federal Constitution and defend the rights of
indigenous peoples set by international standards such as Convention
169 of the ILO, which has been ratified by Brazil.
We reiterate our total support
to the Tupinikim and Guarani cause in Espírito Santo.
Sincerely,
Name:
