Guarani-Kaiwa threatened (Brazil)

From South and Meso American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC),
13 January 1997

A community of Guarani-Kaiwa from the indigenous area Sucuriy are receiving death threats from invading ranchers in the area. Sucuriy is located in the municipality of Maracaju, the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, with an extension of 500 acres which was demarcated in the Declaration Portaria nr. 300 de 5/17/96.

The federal government has not finished the process of expulsing the intruding ranchers. On 12/22/96 the indigenous peoples had resolved to return to their land from which they were violently expelled by invadors in 1986.

By not recognizing the fact that the land is indigenous territory, the invadors are trying to expell the indios, who face death threats and other forms of violence.

The Guarani-Kaiwa from Sucuriy are asking for help in form of letters from entities and persons who support the indigenous cause. Following is a sample letter and addresses and fax numbers of where to send them.

Sample letter:

I am concerned with the physical integrity of the indigenous community Guarani-Kaiowa of the indigenous area Sucuriy which I understand has recently been threatened with death and violence. I urge you to, as soon as possible, assure the safety of the community and its members and enforce the terrirory demarcated as indigenous territory under the accord Portaria nr. 300 of 5/17/96, complimentary to Article 231 of the Federal Constitution.

Send faxes to:

1.The Secretary of Public Safety of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Joaquim de Assuncao de Souza.
fax: 067 726 1794

2. Governor of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Wilson Barbosa Martins.
fax: 067 726 4176

3. Minister of Justice, Nelson Jobim
fax: 061 224 2448
E-mail: gregori@mj.gov.br (Jose Gregori - Cabinet Chief

4. President of FUNAI- National Foundation of the Indigenous, Julio Gaiger
fax:061 226 8782

5. President of the Republic, Fernando Henrique Cardoso
fax: 061 226 7566
E-mail: pr@planalto.gov.br