Indigenous peoples and socio-environmental conflicts: the impacts of big constructions in Pernambuco

Abstract

Since the first Lula government in Brazil have witnessed the assertion of a model of development marked by the construction of large works, like dams, hydroelectric or transposition of rivers. The construction of these works is marked by the systematic violation of the collective rights of traditional communities impacted as well as disrespect to national legislation and international conventions. In this process, the indigenous movement has been placed as one of the main challengers of this development model, and have been denouncing to the national and international community this scenario of violation of established rights and serious socio-environmental conflicts arising. This article is the result of a research project and training developed with indigenous women in Pernambuco, between 2011 and 2012, which is a systematization of the results of research on the impacts of large works, primarily from the transposition of the São Francisco River and ancillary works. Launched both looking for the violation of the rights of indigenous peoples in Pernambuco, and for the human rights of women belonging to these peoples.