A contaminação da água pela extração ilegal de minerais em terras indígenas e as políticas públicas ambientais destinadas a garantir o uso sustentável da água

Abstract

The Yanomami Territory, located in the Amazon, extending across the states of Roraima and Amazonas, is Brazil's largest indigenous reserve. Illegal mining has been a problem in this area for decades. Mercury, used to separate gold, is dumped into rivers, contaminating the water and harming fish and other animals. This clandestine activity leaves environmental damage unchecked and is also linked to health problems in Yanomami communities, such as malnutrition and increased disease. In light of this, the objective of this research is to understand the legislation applicable to the Yanomami Indigenous tribe, due to the contamination of their waters by mercury, resulting from illegal mineral extraction. The methodology, by its nature, is qualitative, with a broad bibliographic base, both national and international. As a result, it became clear that the Yanomami tribe faces problems due to mercury contamination generated by illegal mining. The Brazilian Federal Constitution recognizes the rights of indigenous people to their lands and the government's responsibility to protect them. The presence of mercury harms the health of the Yanomami and contaminates water and fish, requiring public health measures and environmental oversight. The Brazilian State has a responsibility to ensure, through the judicial system, the effective protection of human rights, responding swiftly to violations. It is unacceptable that indigenous communities wait too long for resolution and compensation for the suffering they have endured. If this does not happen, these communities can strengthen their institutions and improve their social well-being through the realization of human rights and the protection of their fundamental rights. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]