Amazonas Public Defender's Office signs legal aid pact for Vale do Javari indigenous peoples

The Amazonas Public Defender's Office (DPAM) and the Union of Indigenous Peoples of the Vale do Javari (Univaja) have signed a technical cooperation agreement to expand free legal assistance for indigenous communities in the region.

The partnership aims to address historical barriers to justice in one of Brazil's most isolated areas, focusing on civil documentation, public records, and family law. The agreement is designed to respect the social organization, culture, and specific consultation methods of the local indigenous peoples to reduce linguistic and cultural obstacles.

Access to services in the Vale do Javari is frequently hindered by long distances, lack of infrastructure, and a heavy reliance on river transport. This initiative follows previous efforts, such as the ‘Registre-se: Brasil Parente’ program, which assisted over 1,300 indigenous people in the Massapê village with civil registration and documentation.