Guarani of Yvy Katu keep their land

A Brazilian appeals court ruled last week that the Guarani Ñandeva Indians of Yvy Katu can keep their land. This is a great victory for the Indians who returned to Yvy Katu in 2004, having been evicted by landowners about thirty years ago.

The landowners took the case before a judge, who ruled in their favour, but on 14 September the Superior Tribunal of Justice voted four to one against the landowners.

The Yvy Katu community had feared they would face eviction and destitution if the landowners had won their case. Now, the official process of recognising and protecting their land can continue.