PRESS RELEASE

 

 

Nº 18/05

 

 

IACHR WELCOMES RECOGNITION OF LAND RIGHTS OF THE INGARIKÓ, MAKUXI, TAUREPANG, AND WAPIXANA INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF BRAZIL

 

 

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) welcomes the recognition of the demarcation of an area known as Raposa Serra do Sol in favor of the Ingarikó, Makuxi, Taurepang, and Wapixana indigenous peoples of Brazil.

 

On April 15, 2005, the President of the Republic signed a decree recognizing the permanent possession by the Ingarikó, Makuxi, Taurepang, and Wapixana indigenous peoples of an area of approximately 1.7 million hectares, located in the municipalities of Normandia, Pacaraima, and Uiramutã, in the State of Roraima.

 

The Government of Brazil took this action in connection with a petition and precautionary measures now being processed by the IACHR.  The Commission will continue to monitor developments in this regard.

 

The Commission attaches special value to actions such as this that recognize indigenous peoples’ territorial rights.

 

 

Washington, D.C., May 3, 2005