Social organizations release letter in support of the struggle of indigenous peoples in Pará for education
Movements denounce brutality on the part of the Government of Pará and demand dialogue with indigenous mobilization. Photo: @joaopaulofotografia from @casaninjaamazonia Over 100 organizations, including popular movements, unions, NGOs, forums, and networks from across the country, have released a letter in support of the struggle of indigenous peoples, including Borari, Munduruku, Tembé, Xikrim, and Arapium, who have occupied the headquarters of the State Secretariat of Education of Pará in Belém for three days, protesting against the changes in the Modular Organization System of Education (Some) that modify indigenous school education. They demand the repeal of Law 10.820/2024, passed in December 2024 without prior consultation with indigenous peoples, impacting the teaching profession in Pará, and consequently, indigenous education. The letter denounces the violence faced during the occupation in recent days, such as the cutting of water and electricity supplies to the building, the prohibition of entry of food, water, press coverage, and justice institutions. For the signatories, this denotes a “broader political project to dismantle the State and inclusive public policies in favor of agribusiness, mining companies, logging companies, and climate merchants, among other powerful groups” by the Government of the State of Pará. Another point raised is the lack of dialogue from the State Government, particularly from Governor Helder Barbalho. “It is not possible to hold the COP of the Forest while violating the essential rights of the peoples who protect the forest,” the organizations assert. Read the full letter here: MANIFESTO INDIGENA EN
Statement of Condemnation – Government of Pará Must Respect Indigenous Rights
The Cúpula dos Povos publicly expresses its strongest condemnation of the violent and authoritarian way in which the Government of Pará is treating Indigenous peoples who approached the State Department of Education (Seduc) to request a review of the decision to abolish the Modular Education System. Around two hundred leaders were subjected to police encirclement, pepper spray in restrooms, cuts to electricity and water, and confinement inside the government building. Is this how our guardians of the forests, rivers, and air are treated in Belém, the host city of COP 30? In solidarity with the Munduruku, Tembé, Xikrim, Borari, Arupim peoples, and other ethnic groups actively engaged in the struggle to preserve Indigenous education in the state, the Cúpula dos Povos joins the protest against the disastrous proposal of the Government of Pará and reaffirms its commitment to defending Indigenous education, culture, and rights. We deeply regret the government’s failure to listen to the leaders and representatives of the affected communities. So far, there has been no contact from the heads of Seduc or the State Secretariat for Indigenous Peoples. This stance demonstrates that the government is choosing a management style that fuels conflict. Beyond the violence, the government disrespects the right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent, treating Indigenous peoples as if their demands were not legitimate. The imposition of solutions such as television-based education, without considering the realities of the villages, is proof of total disregard for the quality of education that Indigenous peoples demand. Families were also not consulted regarding carbon credit negotiations. The Cúpula dos Povos stands in solidarity with Indigenous leaders and demands that the government immediately cease hostilities, reopen dialogue, and respect the rights of Indigenous peoples. We will not accept violence and authoritarianism prevailing once again. Cúpula dos Povos Rumo à COP 30January 14, 2025