A Brazilian judge has reinstated orders protecting an uncontacted
Amazonian tribe following international protests. The case attracted
worldwide attention after the same judge opened up the tribe's
territory to loggers.
Logging companies are chopping down the Indians' forest in the Rio Pardo
area despite repeated reports of the existence of isolated Indians
there. Empty Indian villages have been found with footprints by the
streams, and signs that the Indians have left in a hurry. The Indians
live in the states of Mato Grosso and Amazonas.
Logging companies have managed to get the protection order revoked
several times, and are thought to have shot some of the Indians dead.
There are now fears of a violent backlash by loggers, who may also
attempt to get the order overturned once again.
Survival's director Stephen Corry said today, The Brazilian government
must take immediate action to enforce the order by removing the logging
companies, and it must recognise and demarcate the Rio Pardo Indians'
land permanently. If it fails, this small tribe, whose name we do not
even know, will soon be gone forever.'
Meanwhile, a delegation of Indians from Mato Grosso, the state
suffering fifty percent of all deforestation in the Amazon in
2003-2004, are travelling to Brasília next week to press for protection
of their lands against loggers, soya businesses and cattle ranchers.
Photos available. For more information contact Miriam Ross on (+44) (0)20 7687 8734, or email mr@survival-international.org
