Ricardo Rao discussed the historical struggle of the indigenous peoples in Brazil and the failure of the Brazilian State to guarantee their rights under the law

LASC is delighted to once more be able to host Latin America Week (LAW) in person after two long years. This year’s theme is on indigenous land rights in Latin America, an issue that LASC has actively campaigned on over the years.

On Wednesday (21), the seminar at UCD – University College Dublin was organised by Rubén Flores, Research Scientist at UCD and LASC committee member, Dr Marie Moran, Assistant Professor of Equality Studies at UCD; and Dr Marie-Luce Paris, Associate Professor in Law at UCD Sutherland School of Law, the Academic Director of the UCD Centre for Human Rights.

Rao explained to students how the current government is destroying the amazon and targetting indigenous people. Highlighting the catholic church’s participation in the Brazilian colonization, he said, “in fact, considering all Indians had suffered, Jesuits acted to protect the indigenous population”. Rao, who is a solicitor in Brazil, explained, “indigenous massive killing in Brazil was always there, mainly for economic reasons. But now, with this government, they are killing indigenous people for their racial background: it is all about hate!” he said.

The seminar was recorded, and it will be available on the LASC’s Youtube channel.

UCC hosted a seminar with speakers from Colombia and Mexico

According to Cliona Maher, a LASC committee member, the seminar at UCC last Tuesday 20th September was “a great and very informative event with Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies, UCC bringing together LASC Irish Aid guest speaker Brazilian Activist Ricardo Rao, and UCC Students, Julian Suarez (Colombia), Brenda Mondragon (Mexico) & Claudia Hernandez-Espinosa (Mexico) on Indigenous Land Rights in Latin America

Visiting the Dáil Éirean

LASC committee members Brian Hearne and Rodrigo Silva accompanied Ricardo Rao as he briefed members of the Dail about the challenges facing indigenous people and those who advocate on their behalf. Ricardo gave an account of his own personal experience of being targeted by the State and how one of his colleagues was murdered for his role in defending indigenous rights.

The visit was organised by Gino Kenny TD, who is also an activist for climate change and human rights.

He also emphasised the importance of diplomatic pressure to save the Amazon from illegal exploitation and the effects of global warming.

Brian Hearne, LASC Chairperson said “It is very fitting that LAW 2022 focuses on Brazil given that the country celebrates its bicentenary this year.”

Maynooth University (22) and Trinity College (23)

This evening 22nd September, Ricardo Rao is meeting Maynooth University and tomorrow (23), Trinity College.

Thursday, 22nd September, 5 pm,  Maynooth University, Co. Kildare

Co-hosted by Maynooth University Department of Anthropology and School of Law and Criminology

Seminar: Indigenous Land Rights in Latin America

Speaker: Ricardo Rao

Where: Rowan House, Seminar Room 1.20

Friday, 23rd Sep, 4 pm, Trinity College

Co-hosted by Environmental History Research Seminar of the Trinity Centre for Environmental Humanities

“Indigenous Land Rights in Latin America”
Co-hosted by Environmental History Research Seminar of the Trinity Centre for Environmental Humanities
Where: Arts Building, Room 5039

LAF at Wigwam starts at 7h30 this Thursday, September 22

The best performance wins a 50 EURO voucher!

Check it out on LASC Instagram

Information Officer