VULNERABLE CITIZENSHIP AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT: THE ROLE OF THE JUDICIARY IN COMBATING ORGANIZED CRIME IN INDIGENOUS RESERVERS IN THE LEGAL AMAZON AND AS AN AGENT FOR CLIMATE CHANGE PREVENTION

Abstract

Indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon face serious threats that jeopardize their physical and cultural survival. Although the 1988 Federal Constitution recognizes territorial and cultural rights for Indigenous peoples, organized crime has expanded its influence over Indigenous lands through drug trafficking, illegal mining, and land grabbing. The Legal Amazon has become a strategic hub for criminal organizations such as the PCC and CV, which exploit institutional weaknesses and geographic characteristics of the region. Major problems include deforestation, illegal mining, and mercury contamination. Given this scenario, this study aims to analyze how the Judiciary can effectively combat organized crime threatening Indigenous territories while ensuring Indigenous rights and contributing to climate change mitigation. The specific objectives are to analyze the evolution of Indigenous rights, map the main criminal organizations operating in the Amazon, identify the socio-environmental impacts, and evaluate judicial actions. The methodology is qualitative, with a deductive approach, using bibliographic and documentary research, case law analysis, and secondary data. The study aims to demonstrate the Judiciary’s strategic role in conflict management, protection of Indigenous rights, and preservation of Amazonian ecosystems.