COVID-19 and Indigenous People’s rights violation in Brazil: Evidence of crimes against humanity during Jair Bolsonaro’s government

This thesis examines the violation of Indigenous people's rights in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on actions taken by Jair Bolsonaro’s government that may amount to crimes against humanity. The research is grounded in two main areas of analysis: legal and public health policies. The legal analysis investigates the flexibilization of Brazilian laws protecting Indigenous lands, examining how Bolsonaro's government permitted illegal exploitation by mining groups in protected territories. This encroachment has threatened the health, cultural integrity, and survival of Indigenous populations. It further explores the impacts of illegal mining activities on environmental degradation and the spread of infectious diseases, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of Indigenous communities. The public health policies analysis scrutinizes the government’s approach to managing the COVID-19 crisis, particularly its promotion of "herd immunity" through the uncontrolled spread of the virus. The government’s delay in purchasing and distributing vaccines and the endorsement of ineffective treatments like Ivermectin, despite a lack of scientific evidence, are also critically assessed. These actions are framed within a broader context of negligence and hostility towards Indigenous rights and well-being, highlighting systemic failures that contributed to severe health crises and the loss of lives within these communities. This thesis aims to provide comprehensive legal and policy insights into the Bolsonaro administration's response to the pandemic, emphasizing the enduring impact on Indigenous populations and the potential legal implications under International Human Rights Law.