On Wednesday (14), during a public hearing promoted by the Committee on Human Rights and Participative Legislation (CDR) to discuss the demarcation of indian reservation Raposa Serra do Sol, in the state of Roraima, the representative of the National Indian Foundation (Funai), Paulo Santini, informed that the process of demarcating the region is almost concluded.

According to him, some 290 rice growers were already compensated for losing their lands, which belong to the Union. The compensations amounted to more than R$ 12 million, he informed.

Santini said that the process of recognizing the indigenous right to these lands took three decades. In this period, technicians found “plenty” of anthropologic elements to prove the millennial presence of the natives in that region, including the ancient dialects spoken by its population. He also said that the process was extensively debated in all instances, and that the Raposa do Sol and the São Marco reservations were the most contested ones, especially by the government of Roraima, as well as mayors from municipal districts.

Funai’s former president and expert in indian issues, Sidney Possuelo, reminded that the demarcation of Raposa Serra do Sol reserve was his last act as president of Funai, adding that this measure is being rejected by many “forces” associated with military, economic and political interests in the region. He understands that the demarcation follows a constitutional disposition, and that the process is long overdue, since the Constitution required the demarcation since 1993.

The teacher of Constitutional Law from Vale do Rio dos Sinos University (Unisinos), César Augusto Baldi, defended the constitutionality of demarcating the region. He observed that indian rights are a part of the Constitution, therefore they are not special or exclusive rights, as alleged by politicians opposing the demarcation.

Senator Geraldo Mesquita Júnior (PMDB-AC) suggested the Supreme Federal Court to promote a special session in Roraima, in order “to get in touch with the reality”. He also defended more discussionsover the issue in the Senate, with more public hearings.

In Fátima Cleide’s opinion (PT-RO), there is a lot of “misinformation” in the speeches of people opposing the demarcation. She affirmed that, regarding this subject, the minister of Justice, Tarso Genro, is “acting bravely”.

The hearing was requested by senator Sibá Machado (PT-AC), and attended by state and federal deputies from Roraima.