Brazil indigenous violence increases due to land disputes

A new report by the Indigenous Missionary Council (Cimi) reveals a significant rise in violence against indigenous populations in Brazil during 2025. The data shows that 258 indigenous people were killed, marking a 22% increase compared to the 211 deaths documented in 2024. This figure exceeds the annual average of 199 deaths recorded during the administration of Jair Bolsonaro.

The violence is primarily linked to land disputes and territorial conflicts. The report identified 169 cases of conflict affecting 143 indigenous territories across 23 states. Most incidents occurred in territories that are not legally demarcated or where the state has failed to implement necessary protections.

Geographically, the highest number of homicides were recorded in the state of Roraima (82 cases), followed by Amazonas (47) and Mato Grosso do Sul (37). Beyond killings, the report documented various forms of aggression, including attempted murders, racism, ethnic discrimination, physical injuries, and sexual violence. Cimi attributes the escalation to pressure from large landholdings (latifundios), armed groups, and omissions by public authorities in protecting original populations.