On May 2, some 200 indigenous peoples, riverine communities and fishermen joined in a historic moment of unity and struggle for the Amazon and its peoples at the Pimental construction site of the Belo Monte dam where they continue to occupy the area. They demand that the Brazilian Federal Government clearly define the regulation of prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples and to immediately suspend all work and studies related to dams on the rivers where they live.The Brazilian government has repeatedly disrespected and assaulted traditional populations and has conducted studies on their lands without hearing them. Researchers carrying out the studies required for licensing were often accompanied by military troops, chariots of war and ammunition.
Among the warrior communities present at the protest are the Munduruku peoples of the Tapajós River basin who traveled some 900 kilometers to stand in solidarity with the Xingu people. The Munduruku indigenous people have been resisting the construction of a hydroelectric dam complex in their lands in Medio Tapajós, Itaituba. As a result, they were victim of aggression of the State under the “Operation Tapajós” (see WRM Bulletin 189).
Demands were unified, calling for the government to respect the Brazilian constitution, international treaties and participants demanding Justice Now!
http://amazonwatch.org/news/2013/0503-a-united-cry-against-dams-in-the-amazon?utm_source=Amazon+Watch+Newsletter+and+Updates&utm_campaign=
c88fe43d23-eoa_bmd_blog_plus_20130507&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e6f929728b
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-new-occupation-on-belo-monte-dam-site, http://amazonwatch.org/take-action/belo-monte-justice-now, and http://www.xinguvivo.org.br/2013/05/27/governo-nao-cumpre-palavra-e-indigenas-ocupam
-belo-monte-novamente/