HUMAN RIGHTS, MIGRATION AND HOMELESSNESS: THE WARAO IN NATAL/RN

THE WARAO IN NATAL/RN

Abstract

This article discusses the migration of indigenous Venezuelan Warao to Rio Grande do Norte, settled in Natal, and the public policies that assist them. In it, we present the services of the social assistance and human rights network aimed at this public, their needs and demands and the impact on the local homeless population. The methodological tools used were questionnaires via the google forms platform and interviews with network professionals and a representative of the Street Population Movement (MNPR/RN). Among the demands and needs of the Warao, the following stand out: the search for work, employment and income; health care; regularization of documents and other issues with the Brazilian justice system; school integration; learning the Portuguese language; obtaining a residence visa and preserving their cultural practices.  It is clear that the Warao and homeless people are closer in terms of violations or non-recognition of rights. However, both populations need specific public policies. These population phenomena need to be addressed in relation to the territory and how to inhabit it, observing the constitutional guidelines of the principles of sovereignty, citizenship and the dignity of the human person, which should be common ground for thinking about any approach to social issues.