AMERICA : BRAZIL : TRYING TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN

Agenzia Fides RELEASE - The murder of an indigenous child of Maranhão, burnt by wood smugglers (madeireiros) in October 2011, has recently provoked the indignation of many Brazilians manifested in social networks. Although in delay, the reaction does not affect an isolated or uncommon case, because every year children and young indigenous are killed across the country.
The killers are not always perpetrated by non-Indians in search of land and wood. Communities where many who have alcohol and drug problems, unfortunately, are often the scene of tragic events, like the murder of an indigenous 9-month-girl, murdered with a machete in November last year. The incident occurred after an argument between the girl's father and other drunken indigenous of the tribe, situated in Minas Gerais.
According to the note sent to Fides by CIMI (Indigenous Missionary Council), the number of indigenous children murdered in 2011 has not yet been defined. However in 2010 CIMI’s report reported that four children were killed, including an 8 year old girl, raped, beaten and killed in the village of Tey Cue, in Mato Grosso do Sul. According to the surveys, one of the girl’s aunt "sold" the girl in exchange for drugs.
In 2009, CIMI reported 11 homicides of minors, including a 9-year-old boy of the Guarani Kaiowa group, raped and killed by a teenager from the same village. In 2008, a girl of the Guajajara was killed with firearms in Maranhao, while watching television at home. In addition to episodes of violence, dozens of indigenous children die each year from poor sanitation, malnutrition and lack of medical care. In January last year, eight children died in the ethnic Xavante in just 15 days, following an attack of pneumonia. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 11/01/2012)
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=30750&lan=eng

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