In a historic decision, Brazil is convicted of violating the rights of quilombolas in Alcântara
Decision points to abuses by the Union and Armed Forces. It is the first time that the Brazilian State has been internationally condemned for violations against quilombolas
In a landmark decision, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (CorIDH) condemned Brazil for violating the fundamental rights of quilombolas during the installation and operation of the Alcântara (MA) military rocket launch base. This is the first time that the Brazilian State, including the Armed Forces, has been internationally condemned for measures and policies against these populations.
The violations involve the rights to collective land title, housing, free use and movement in the area, and “free, prior and informed” consultation, among others. CorIDH considered that all of these actions compromised the “collective life project” of 171 communities.
As reparation and compensation, the Court ordered the government to grant title to the 78,1 hectares of quilombola territory within three years and pay US$4 million to the residents’ associations. The federal government must also conduct “free, prior and informed” consultation on measures that affect them, hold a public act of recognition of its responsibility and set up a “permanent dialogue table” with the quilombolas.
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