Federal authorities take legal action to protect indigenous community in Penedo

The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) and the Federal Public Defender's Office (DPU) have taken legal action to protect the Luzia community in Penedo, Alagoas. The community, comprising approximately 50 members of the Pankararu and Xucuru-Kariri ethnicities, is facing extreme social and sanitary vulnerability, including threats of eviction and food shortages.

Legal representatives have filed a Public Civil Action against the Union and the National Foundation for Indigenous Peoples (Funai) to mandate the acquisition or designation of a permanent, sustainable territory for the group. This follows the recent death of an indigenous infant due to a lack of continuous sanitary infrastructure. The MPF and DPU have also issued urgent recommendations to municipal and state authorities to ensure access to food and healthcare while seeking a safe resettlement location.