Committee: United Nations Human Rights Commission Topic: Rights of Indigenous People Country: Brazil

While the global consensus that stands behind the 2007 Declaration on Indigenous Rights should be celebrated, its implementation remains to be a constant challenge and strong efforts are needed, nationally and internationally, to make its principles alive in the reality on the ground. Indigenous people can be regarded as one of the largest vulnerable segment of society. While differing significantly culture, identity, economic systems and social institutions indigenous people as a whole reflect specific disadvantages on in terms of social indicators, economic status and quality of life. Brazil is proud of the Rondonian tradition, according to which its indigenous peoples lands are protected and their identities and cultures are recognized. Brazil currently has 197 forest-dwelling indigenous groups, living either on reservations or in one of four national parks. According to the 2000 Brazilian Demographic Census, about 730,000 people or 0.4 per cent of the total population identified as indigenous. Although over half of the indigenous population is concentrated in the northern Amazon states and the north-east of the country, there is also a considerable indigenous population in the states of Mato Grosso does Sul and So Paulo, where 8.6 and 7.3 per cent of the total indigenous population reside, respectively. Brazil has taken a leadership role in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights at the Organization of American States (OAS). Brazil has also taken the lead role in the Inter-American Convention against Discrimination, which is currently under consideration by the InterAmerican Court of Human Rights. We believe that this convention attempts to provide minorities with a regional mechanism to redress human rights violations throughout the Americas. Brazil is also party to American convention of human rights. It is the responsibility of the global community to support initiatives taken by non-governmental agencies. Since 1988 when Citizens Constitution declared health to be universal right, the population coverage has grown substantially and health indicators have improved. Brazil has taken important steps to recognize the diversity of the nation, although the country still has a long way to go in order to reach racial equality. There are parallel truths about education in this region. Unlike most of the world, in most countries gender disparity favours girls rather than boys. But it is also true that there are pockets where girls are being denied their right to an education, particularly within indigenous populations and in rural areas. We believe that it is our responsibility to work together with countries within the region as well as internationally to counter the colossal barriers facing universal education. In brazil, bilingual and multicultural education is part of the process, but there are also other essential components for making schools welcoming and safe. Brazil believes that United Nations must help countries dealing with land issues in regard to

indigenous population. We have taken steps to develop mechanisms that will promote and protect the political rights of the indigenous community though we realize that more needs to be done.