Indigenous people protest against the illegal exploitation of their territories and the threat of being displaced. | Photo: @ApibOficial

Brasilia, August 25 (RHC)-- More than 6,000 people representing 173 indigenous peoples marched this Tuesday to the headquarters of the Supreme Federal Court (STF) in Brasilia, as part of the national mobilization "Fight for Life" called by the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB).  They reject the territorial demarcation project and at the same time, demand rights over their territories.

This is the largest concentration since the creation of APIB in 1988, and part of a vigil against the Temporary Framework Thesis, which will resume the trial on Wednesday to define the future of the demarcation of indigenous lands.

During their march to the STF, the demonstrators made a stop at the Congress headquarters, to emphasize their position of rejection of the anti-indigenous agenda that is advancing in said Legislative body and the Federal Government, such as Bill 490, which proposes that the demarcation of indigenous lands be done by law; and foresees the opening of indigenous lands to clandestine mining.

The vigil is part of seven days of mobilizations organized by APIB in the Brazilian capital, which contemplates in its agenda plenary sessions, political hearings with the organs and Embassies of the Government of Jair Bolsonaro, marches and public demonstrations.

The Executive Coordinator of APIB, Sonia Guajajara, stated that in addition to the mismanagement of COVID-19, Brazilians are suffering from violence, "it is not only the pandemic that is killing our people and that is why we decided once again to march to Brasilia to continue fighting for the life of the indigenous peoples, for Mother Earth and the future of humanity", she added.

The demonstrators also plan to discuss the general elections to be held in 2022, as well as the strengthening of support networks for the struggles of indigenous peoples.

Last August 9, in the framework of the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, the APIB presented a declaration before the International Criminal Court (ICC), to denounce the Bolsonaro Government for the crimes of genocide and ecocide.

In this regard, Article 231 of the Brazilian Constitution recognizes that "the lands traditionally occupied by indigenous peoples are destined for their permanent possession, and they are responsible for the exclusive use of the riches of the soils, rivers and lakes existing therein."