We frequently see red flames glowing brilliantly into the night in the rainforest where I currently reside. When we awaken, there are still smoke clouds rising from the raging forest fires. We constantly live in fear of land speculators assaulting us and killing us, igniting yet another fire, or worse.
I’m an Indigenous Brazilian from the Juma and Uru-eu-wau-wau tribes. My two communities have been in the rainforest for many years, passing down traditions and wisdom that have allowed us to coexist with nature. I was taught that even while we rely on the forest, we don’t own it and that it’s our responsibility to keep it safe.
We see life in the jungle. However, companies view the forest, our home, as a source of wealth. They steal our land unlawfully and devastate it to raise cattle and soy for animal feed, much of which is shipped to Europe, where consumers are unaware that these products are made on Indigenous grounds.
European consumption is a factor in the aggression against Indigenous people as well as the degradation of our forests, from the beef burgers consumed in restaurants to the milk added to popular coffee concoctions.
Around the world, the threat to rainforests and the Indigenous cultures living in them is the same. In rainforests, among other things, deforestation, mining, and oil extraction destroy the environment and take lives.
More violence against Indigenous people is occurring, much of which is not reported in the press, as a result of the rising demand for goods that are sold on European markets. Ari, my uncle, lost his life defending our property. Even though his murder is still unsolved, we keep telling his narrative. Although they have all received threats, the members in my community who speak out against deforestation have remained unafraid.
We now have hope for a different future in which our rights will not be violated in favour of ruthless commercial interests and economic expansion thanks to the recent election of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as Brazil’s next president. where my family, friends, and I do not have to defend our home against intruders or endure intimidation and daily threats of death.
But keep in mind that Jair Bolsonaro, the incumbent who publicly displayed his opposition to Indigenous rights and environmental protection, very narrowly defeated Lula. We still don’t feel secure in our neighbourhood because of this, and we anticipate that conservative forces will resist any progressive environmental policies that Lula tries to enact.
Our future is in jeopardy and depends on many factors, not simply what the new Brazilian administration does. Policymakers in Brussels are currently drafting the final draught of a measure to address deforestation caused by the EU as I write this.
This is a fantastic chance to stand up for Indigenous people, defend them, and save the forests and other lands—like savannahs—that serve as both our homes and the foundation of our subsistence. The result of these negotiations will be felt immediately around the world and set a standard for other nations to follow.
At this crucial time, EU member states can demonstrate their support for us. They should negotiate a regulation that forbids the importation into the European market of goods associated with violence and the eviction of Indigenous populations. To achieve this, it will be necessary to implement strict enforcement measures that include effective checks and controls for imported goods.
Existing international human rights norms must be built upon by this law because they are crucial to our fight for justice and the preservation of our lands. The environment as well as our house would be protected by this law.
Although Lula’s administration has some power, the Amazon rainforest’s condition is expected to worsen without intervention from the EU and other significant markets for Brazilian goods. The violence against Indigenous people will keep increasing, and we will continue to witness the red fires burning at night. For me, my neighbourhood, and the entire world, this will be disastrous.
Politicians in Europe are being urged to support us and work to rescue the lives of Indigenous people. Join us in this battle to defend the world’s savannahs and forests.