Brazilian President Vetoes Key Aspects of Legislation Limiting Indigenous Land Rights

President Lula's veto rejects "deadline theory" and harmful provisions such as mining and GMO cultivation on indigenous territories, marking a victory for indigenous rights; however, some critical provisions remain, drawing mixed responses from indigenous groups.

• Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva vetoed core aspects of a controversial legislation that posed a threat to indigenous land rights. The legislation argued that indigenous people must have been physically occupying land or fighting to reoccupy territory by October 5, 1988, a theory rejected by Brazil's Supreme Court.
• Parts of the legislation that were seen as detrimental to indigenous rights were vetoed by Lula, such as the permission for mining and cultivation of genetically modified organisms on indigenous lands.
• Despite the veto being hailed as a victory, not the entire legislation was vetoed, keeping intact parts that are in line with Brazil's indigenous policy since its 1988 Constitution. This led to some indigenous groups expressing continued concern about the legislation.
• Since taking office in January, Lula has given significantly more attention to indigenous issues, such as demarcating eight new indigenous territories. However, his environmental agenda continues to face pushback from a conservative, agri-business-backed majority in Congress.
• The agri-business lobby, known as FPA, intends to seek the overturning of Lula's veto when the bill is returned to Congress, highlighting ongoing tension between indigenous rights and business interests.

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