Noam Chomsky
May 3, 2001

To the International Tribunal in Paraná:

The achievements of the Landless Workers' Movement in Brazil since the collapse of the military dictatorship have been truly inspiring, not only in spearheading the struggles for the rights of the dispossessed in a country with enormous riches tainted by a shocking concentration of wealth and land ownership, but also in helping to construct the basis for a productive and more just society. In their course of their dedicated and impressive work they have faced, and courageously endured, severe abuse and brutality, nowhere more so than in Paraná state. I know I join many others, within Brazil and abroad, who are anticipating with hope and trust the work of the Tribunal in conducting a far-reaching inquiry into what has happened and providing a strong endorsement of justice and human rights.