Thousands of Goldminers Invade Yanomami Territory

http://dissidentvoice.org/2019/07/thousands-of-goldminers-invade-yanomami-territory/
Date Written:  2019-07-01
Publisher:  Dissident Voice
Year Published:  2019
Resource Type:  Article
Cx Number:  CX23755

Goldminers have invaded Yanomami lands in northern Brazil, probably emboldened by Bolsonaro's war against Indigenous rights. They have brought disease to uncontacted peoples and are poisoning the environment.

Abstract: 
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Excerpt:

Up to 10,000 goldminers have invaded Yanomami lands in northern Brazil, spreading malaria in the region and polluting many of the rivers with mercury.

Although most Yanomami are in contact with non-indigenous society, one uncontacted group is known to live in the area being invaded, and authorities are investigating signs of up to six other uncontacted communities living there.

The massive influx has been blamed by local indigenous leaders for the deaths of four children already. They say the miners are building settlements and airstrips, emboldened by President Bolsonaro’s support for land invaders, and constant attacks on indigenous people....

The Yanomami are pushing the government to remove the miners. Earlier this year Brazilian Indians led the biggest ever international protest for indigenous rights, after President Bolsonaro effectively declared war on them and their rights.