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 30
January 14, 2025
