New report highlights increased violence and suicide among indigenous peoples

A new report has highlighted how Brazil's Indians are suffering high levels of violence linked to the loss of their land. The report by CIMI, an NGO affiliated to Brazil's Catholic church, reveals that on average more than 40 Indians were murdered each year between 2003 and 2005. During the same period an average of 24 Indians committed suicide each year.

The report makes clear that there is a direct link between land demarcation and violence; 'Less demarcated land means more cases of violence'.

The final chapter is dedicated to uncontacted peoples: CIMI estimates there are 60 isolated groups in Brazil, and warns that seventeen of them run the risk of imminent extinction due to the unchecked activities of land grabbers, loggers and ranchers.

To read a summary of the report's findings in English go to
https://www.cimi.org.br/?system=news&action=read&id=1956&eid=340