Reflexionen über die Lebenssituation der Guarani im Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasilien

Abstract

The precarious situation of the two Guaraní peoples living in the Brazilian State of Mato Grosso do Sul has grown steadily worse over the last 20 years. Since the 1930s they have been obliged to settle in small and by now mostly overpopulated reservations, following the complete destruction of the regional ecosystem. These massive interventions led to far-reaching problems in the political, social and economic organisation of the Guaraní. Nevertheless, during the last eight years not even one of the territories corresponding to the many groups fighting for their constitutional land rights, has been actually demarcated. The author reflects on these problems, the Guarani’s efforts to regain orientation and the phenomenon of violence turned against themselves.