Violence against Indians in Brazil has risen dramatically, the Roman Catholic Church said in a report released on Tuesday.

Between 2003 and 2005, 122 Indians were killed, compared with 42 during the previous three years, the Indigenous Missionary Council said. Most were killed by gunmen hired by ranchers or by fellow Indians, the report said.

Suicide, malnutrition and inadequate health care also led to the deaths of more than 800 Indians, according to the council report.

Get the Story:
Murder Rate of Brazil Indians Rises Sharply: Church (Reuters 5/30)

Relevant Links:
Indigenous Missionary Council - http://www.cimi.org.br

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