UN experts condemn deadly attack on Guarani and Kaiowá Indigenous Peoples in Brazil

GENEVA – UN experts today condemned a deadly attack against Guarani and Kaiowá Indigenous Peoples in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, while the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) of the UN Climate Change Convention is underway in Belém, Brazil.

The violent attack was reportedly carried out by armed individuals linked to private security forces employed by local landowners. Reports indicate that an Indigenous leader, Vicente Fernandes Kaiowá, was killed, , while several members of the community were injured.

“This tragic incident fits a long-standing pattern of violence against Guarani and Kaiowá Peoples, a regression on demarcation of Indigenous Peoples’ territories through the marco temporal doctrine and the targeting of Indigenous leaders as a way of terrorising and demoralising communities,” the experts, who are currently in Brazil attending the summit said.

They have previously expressed concern to Brazil over the escalating violence against Indigenous Peoples and their representatives, the lack of effective protection measures, and obstacles in the process of demarcation and titling of Indigenous Peoples’ ancestral territories, as well as modifications in environmental licensing processes also impacting Indigenous rights

The experts urged the Government of Brazil to immediately ensure the safety and protection of Guarani and Kaiowá communities, including through culturally appropriate security measures.

“We call upon the authorities of Brazil to conduct prompt, independent and thorough investigations into this attack, and all those previous incidents of violence against Guarani and Kaiowá Peoples. Justice should bring accountability to those responsible, provide reparations for victims and their families, and prevent recurrence.”

“While we acknowledge the acts of declaration of Indigenous Peoples’ lands issued this week, we urge the Government of Brazil to finalise the demarcation of Guarani and Kaiowá lands, as well as that of all Indigenous Peoples’ territories, without further delay, in accordance with Brazil’s international human rights obligations,” they said. They also reiterated calls for the immediate abandonment of the marco temporal doctrine.

The experts reiterated that Indigenous Peoples are key guardians of biodiversity and play a vital role in combating climate change. Protecting their rights and territories is essential to achieving global environmental and human rights commitments.

“We call upon all sectors of Brazilian society to rally behind the rights and protection of Indigenous Peoples and their ancestral territories. It is imperative to reject racism and discrimination, and ensure that violent actions by a few economically driven private actors do not undermine the dignity, security, rights, and cultural survival of Brazil’s Indigenous Peoples,” the experts said.

They urged the Government of Brazil to promote nationwide understanding of the importance of the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights within Brazilian society.