This paper describes AI’s concerns about the failure of the authorities in Brazil to protect the fundamental human rights of indigenous peoples, who have suffered grave human rights violations, including killings, torture and harassment. The violations occur in the context of land disputes with non-indigenous interests – settlers, landowners, commercial concerns etc. There is evidence that the security forces are implicated in many cases of abuse. Violations against the Macuxi, Pataxo-ha-ha-hae, Truka, Yanomami, Surui and Uru-eu-wau-wau tribes are described. Isolated groups of Indians, such as the Korubu or Indians in the Igarape Omore and the Guapore reserve also suffer violations. Activists working with indigenous peoples have also been victimized.
