CAFOD partner receives death threat

Davi Kopenawa, president of CAFOD partner, Hutukara [Joelle Hernandez/CAFOD]

The president of CAFOD’s Brazilian partner organisation Hutukara has received a death threat from ranchers illegally occupying indigenous territory

The indigenous leader, Davi Kopenawa Yanomami, recently visited the United Kingdom to present a letter to Gordon Brown urging the UK government to ratify an international convention to protect tribal ownership of land.

His campaign for recognition of the vast area inhabited by the Yanomami in the Brazilian states of Roraima and Amazonas began in 1985, when goldminers were invading the area and the Yanomami were dying of diseases to which they had no resistance.

The latest struggle involves persistent destruction of the rainforest by ranchers to create pastures.

Disregard for the boundaries of indigenous Yanomami land by the ranchers in the Ajanari region of the Amazon is an infringement of federal legislation guaranteeing Yanoomami rights.

Tensions are rising between the ranchers and indigenous people in the region.

The threats to Davi’s life are alleged to have come from one of the ranch owners, who is claimed to have threatened the lives of indigenous leaders in the region should he be expelled.

CAFOD has written to the Brazilian Embassy calling on the Braziian government to investigate these threats and provide appropriate protection for Davi.

CAFOD is also asking that the Brazilain authorities guarantee the peaceful exit of the ranchers illegally occupying the land as well as safety for indigenous people in the area.

CAFOD has also highlighted the positive role of the Brazilian government in defending indigenous rights and agrees with the Brazilian government that there is still much work to be done to ensure that the rights laid down in the Constitution are respected.

CAFOD started supporting Hutukara in 2006 as a part of its Indigenous Support programme.

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