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Arrangements underway for eviction of indigenous territory in Maranhão
Criado em 14/01/14 13h25
e atualizado em 14/01/14 13h27
Por Paula Laboissière / Paulo Victor Chagas
Fonte:Agência Brasil
Brasília – Ahead of the 40-day court deadline for non-indigenous occupants to leave the Awa-Guajá Indigenous Territory in the state of Maranhão, northeast Brazil, the Ministry of Justice has told the National Security Force (FNS) deployments to remain on site to secure order and integrity of persons and property. Within that period, settlers, farmers, loggers, and breeders are allowed within the area to pick up their property and animals, but any remaining fences, roads, and other developments found after that will be removed on court orders. Moreover, the National Foundation for Indigenous People (FUNAI) explained that the non-indigenous settlers are not entitled to compensation, since they have no legal claim on the land.
Also according to the ruling, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) and the Brazil Without Extreme Poverty Program will provide seeds to farmers impacted by the eviction; and the National Program to Advance Family Farming (Pronaf) may offer funding and partner with local governments to have farmers provide food for school meals.
Judge José Carlos do Vale Madeira said he wants to expedite the eviction, but added that “enforcement will depend on operational and logistical factors, including the weather conditions for helicopters [used for the operation] to take off.”
The Armed Forces are already working to set up their operating base, where a police station is being erected to prevent illegal logging. Additionally, a hotline called Disque 100 (Dial 100) will be made available to the population for inquires and reports.
José Inácio Rodrigues, regional superintendent at the Agrarian Reform and Land Use Institute (INCRA), Maranhão, announced that Bom Jardim and Igarapé do Meio were the first municipalities identified as potential destinations for evicted non-indigenous populations. However, the judge argued that “they [non-Indians] should be moved to nearby areas, or they could feel exiled and face severe emotional distress. We don't want to create this kind of issue.” He went on, “My greatest concern is to avoid pushing farmers out to roadsides and marginalizing them.”
Upon receiving eviction notices, families may still apply for federal social programs.
A follow-up group with representatives from Incra, the Federation of Agricultural Workers of Maranhão, farmer and peasant unions, as well as state government representatives, will coordinate joint actions and track the eviction process, and a committee will be established by the General Secretariat of the Presidency in collaboration with various government agencies to help vacate the area.
Edited by Denise Griesinger / Aécio Amado / Lícia Marques
Translated by Mayra Borges
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