SILENCE IS NOT AN OPTION FOR CIVIL SOCIETY: NO TO PL N° 1.154 AND BILL NO. 490

The Brazilian Association of Non-Governmental Organizations in the State of Pernambuco (ABONG-PE) and its affiliates hereby manifest their position in defense of democracy, human rights, social and environmental justice, and sustainable development. We recognize the native peoples, especially the indigenous peoples and quilombolas, as guardians of the forests and of the Brazilian territory, and we defend their rights and their active participation in decision-making that affects their lives and their territories.

We vehemently repudiate the setbacks that the Brazilian people have suffered, resulting from a policy of rights withdrawal, led by the conservative benches of the National Congress, which represent the agribusiness elites. This regressive agenda threatens democracy and the sovereignty of the Brazilian State, compromising the advances achieved over decades of popular struggles and mobilizations that have caused the natural impacts responsible for climate change.

It is necessary to be aware that the political decisions proposed by Provisional Measure 1154 and Bill 490 restrict the right to land and threaten the existence of Brazilian indigenous peoples who, with great difficulty, struggle daily to survive genocide and epistemicide (which have already lasted more than 500 years). Such measures remove attributions from the Ministries of Indigenous Peoples and of the Environment, putting at risk environmental preservation and the guarantee of the rights of indigenous peoples, who already face countless difficulties in maintaining their lands and ways of life.

In this context, it is fundamental to emphasize the importance of resistance and the support of civil society organizations in the defense of the original peoples. We call on society in general to join the cause and the struggle of the indigenous population and their territories. We understand that solidarity and mobilization are essential to face the challenges and stop the threats that endanger the culture and existence of this people.

ABONG PE reaffirms its commitment to defend human rights, socio-environmental justice, and sustainability, in line with the principles of democracy. Only with the union of all of us will we be able to guarantee the protection of the indigenous peoples and the preservation of the environment, building a more just and equal future for all the people who live under this sky and share this earth.

At this time, silence is not an option for civil society!!! We repudiate PL N°1.154 and Bill N°490