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Brazil sends army to put an end to "intrusion" of settlers, loggers, ranchers in Awá land

Federal Government wants all non-indigenous residents to leave the reservation within 40 days period · Awá lands have been illegally exploited by loggers, ranchers · Survival International welcomes measure to protect "Earth's most threatened tribe"

Brazil's federal government has decided to send the army to the Awá-Guajá Indigenous Territory to put an end to the "intrusion" (illegal settlement and exploitation) of this indigenous people's lands. According to the Brazilian Government, the army has begun to deploy in the region (located in the state of Maranhão) to support public officers who, for 40 days, will be notifying to all non-indigenous residents that they must leave the area. After this time, the army will proceed to evacuate non-Indians who may have stayed there, and will destroy their buildings.

The news was welcomed by Survival International, an organization working for the rights of indigenous peoples. Survival had been asking for years measures tio protect the Awá-Guajá people. The organization describes them as "Earth's most threatened tribe": it is estimated that the group is made up of some 430 to 450 individuals, out of which 70 to 90 are uncontacted. Survival says that the Awá-Guajá lands are surrounded -and partially occupied- by loggers and ranchers who are threatening the very survival of that indigenous group.

Awa-Guajá Indigenous Territory was demarcated in 1992, but it was not until last year that the Brazilian Government started to take some action on the ground. In June, the army was sent to stop deforestation and to destroy some sawmills aroudn the Awá reservation. The Brazilian Government wants now to address "intrusion" inside the native area. According to data from Brazilian public body FUNAI, more than 30% of the reservation land has been deforested by settlers and by cattle and timber companies. Natives have fled to the remaining forested areas, which constitute their secular environment.

(Image: Awá children / picture by Heloisa Arcanchy/Funai).