Brazil MPF takes action to secure indigenous education rights

The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) is taking legal action to address critical failures in indigenous education across different regions of Brazil.

In Eirunepé, the MPF has issued a legal recommendation demanding that the municipal government address precarious employment contracts for teachers serving indigenous and traditional communities. The MPF noted that these educators lack basic labor rights, such as paid vacations and a 13th-month salary. Additionally, the municipality must ensure that riverine and indigenous communities have access to school meals sourced from traditional family farming.

In Roraima, the MPF has filed a public civil action to restructure educational services for approximately 3,500 Yanomami children and adolescents. The lawsuit targets the Federal Government, Funai, and local authorities, citing a severe lack of schools, teachers, materials, and transportation. Data indicates that in several analyzed regions, school coverage is as low as 14.6%, leaving thousands of children and adults without access to basic or adult education.