“This is a victory of love, of hope, of truth, of freedom, and of our fragile democracy that is now being strengthened.”
Sonia Guajajara, Congresswoman-elect
In the most important election for the planet, which defined the future of the Amazon and therefore of all humanity, almost 51% of Brazilians chose democracy and elected Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, putting an end to the nightmare lived for the last four years under Bolsonaro. Civil society, Indigenous communities, and the environmental movement are celebrating renewed hope for the Amazon and our climate.
The Association of Brazil’s Indigenous Peoples (APIB) celebrated and released the following statement:
“We want to continue our fight autonomously, in defense of our rights, protecting our achievements, for example, the recognition of our land rights and healthcare system, achieved with a lot of struggle in previous governments. We demand total respect for our fundamental rights, our life, and dignity, within the framework of a new relationship with the Brazilian government – no more hate, no more genocidal politics – but multiethnic and multicultural, and ethical. The country still has many debts to pay due to the history of violence and death, physical and cultural, which for centuries has victimized our peoples and communities.”
Indigenous leader and Brazil’s first indigenous Congresswoman, Joenia Wapichana described the victory as “a historic vote for our democracy. Congratulations to those who accepted the invitation to rebuild our Brazil. Love won over hate. Long live democracy!”
Congresswoman-elect Célia Xakriabá celebrated Lula’s win and shared, “For a decent Brazil for all our people. For the environment. For Indigenous peoples, and for an end to this nightmare of destruction!”
In his first speech after the election results, Lula reaffirmed his commitment to the Amazon, Indigenous peoples, and the defense of the environment.
“Now we will fight for zero deforestation in the Amazon. Brazil and the planet need the Amazon alive! One tree standing is worth more than thousands of illegal timber illegally extracted in the name of easy profit that costs the planet’s deterioration. A river with clean water is worth much more than all the gold extracted with mercury that kills the fauna and puts human life at risk. When an Indigenous child dies, murdered by the greed of environmental predators, a part of humanity dies with them. That is why we will resume the monitoring and surveillance of the Amazon, and combat any and all illegal activities, whether they be mining, logging, or improper cattle ranching. At the same time, we will promote the sustainable development of the communities who live in the Amazon region. We will prove that it is possible to generate wealth without destroying the environment.”
Not only can the forest now breathe with relief, but so can the Indigenous peoples, riverine communities, and quilombolas. There is still much to be done to reverse the great destruction caused by Bolsonaro’s administration. This was a critical vote toward stopping deforestation and the degradation of the Amazon, which has advanced dramatically to its point of no return under Bolsonaro.
Right now, it is important that we remain steadfast in our solidarity to halt the invasions, violence, and illegal mining in Indigenous territories, and that we amplify Indigenous voices, keeping the pressure on the government to guarantee their fundamental rights. Lula will also need to act firmly to safeguard a socio-environmental and climate agenda, capable of positioning Brazil as the leader it once was on the international stage.
The Bolsonaro government has two months left in power. Lula must use the political power won at the polls to pressure Congress to stop votes for bills that seek to advance attacks against the forest and Indigenous peoples. Under Bolsonaro, Brazilian Indigenous National Foundation (FUNAI) has been misdirected, and in some cases even weaponized against the people it was designed to serve. Lula must follow through on his promise to establish an Indigenous affairs ministry and rebuild the government’s enforcement of Indigenous rights. The violence in the Amazon is expected to accelerate in these last months of Bolsonaro’s administration, it is necessary to remain vigilant and ready to denounce and fight all crimes.
Brazil is also key in the fight against climate change, it is now getting back on track to become part of the solution. As one of the world’s sixth largest greenhouse gas emitting countries, Lula has already declared willingness to ensure that Brazil increases its commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Lula’s victory is a sign of hope for the Amazon, the Indigenous peoples, and the planet’s future. In the face of Bolsonaro’s dismantling of FUNAI, Lula has promised to create an Indigenous Affairs Ministry led by an Indigenous leader. Brazilian Indigenous leaders Sonia Guajajara and Célia Xakriabá were elected to the lower house of Congress and they will play an essential role in the defense of their rights.
Amazon Watch congratulates the people of Brazil for this democratic victory. We must support Indigenous communities so that this new government fulfills its promise to be just, environmentally responsible, and socially committed. Now is the time to escalate the pressure and demand accountability for Amazon destruction like never before. The presidential door is open to accomplish our campaign goals and the permanent protection of the Amazon. We are ready to collaborate in democratic discussions and to also criticize and pressure the future government whenever the Amazon and the rights and lives of Indigenous peoples are at stake.
Long live Brazilian democracy, the Amazon, and the Indigenous peoples of Brazil!
