Brazil and the Belo Monte Dam

 

In this in-class simulation, students adopt the interests and goals of the Kayapó Indians, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the Brazilian government, and Electrobras in order to resolve a conflict over the construction of the Belo Monte Dam.

Students are assigned different roles, and they must familiarize themselves with the case through recommended readings.  The simulation is as follows: the Kayapó Indians submit a complaint to the IACHR regarding the construction of the Belo Monte Dam and its purported violations of the group's human and indigenous rights.  After hearing all arguments, the IACHR briefly confers and issues a reasoned decision on whether to proceed with further investigation or dismiss the complaint.  

For the activity instructions, see attached document below.

role play instructions.doc50 KB