The representatives of indian communities in the central-western municipalities of Marsella, Mistrato, Pueblo Rico, and Pereira arrived in this capital to demand the implementation of measures that promote sustainable development and respect for their peoples’ autonomy.

The protesters hope the authorities will help them purchase 5,000 hectares of land for expanding reservations, building new territories and legalizing the existing ones.

They are also asking for a strengthened self-governance and self-justice, plus financing of economic projects that promote autonomy.

Another demand involves the construction of healthcare institutions and 3,160 new houses adapted to their traditional way of life, as well as refurbishing another 2,500 to turn them into dignified abodes.

ied/iff/mem/ifs