Indigenous murders in Brazil rise for third consecutive year

Indigenous murders in Brazil increased for the third consecutive year in 2025, according to a report by the Missionary Indigenous Council (Cimi). The report indicates that violence against indigenous peoples has worsened overall, with 258 murders recorded in 2025, primarily in the Amazon region due to criminal group activity.

Between 2023 and 2025, the total number of indigenous murders during President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration reached 677. This compares to 651 cases recorded during the previous administration of Jair Bolsonaro from 2019 to 2022. Report author Roberto Liebgott noted that illegal mining and logging represent a systematic invasion of indigenous lands.

In Roraima, government task forces aimed at combating illegal miners have resulted in these groups migrating to more remote and isolated indigenous territories. These areas are considered critical for preventing deforestation and mitigating global warming. Additionally, the Cimi report highlighted a rising trend in suicides among indigenous populations, recording 215 cases.