Proclaimed in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is still far from complete in Brazil, which sadly reports 50 thousand people murdered per year, making it one of the most violent places in the world.
Unable to resolve its historic structural problems, which in turn cause rights violations, the country now also faces the return of a conservative agenda in the Congress, placing some of the rights gained in the 1988 Constitution at risk.
On the 67th anniversary of the Declaration, the efforts of the common people and human rights organizations are fundamental. Active nearly twelve years in working to promote human rights and garner support in society for supporting initiatives capable of making significant new strides forward for the country, the Brazil Human Rights Fund has just announced two calls for project proposals that will result in more than R$ 1 million in funding for projects throughout the country.
The announcement, which took place at Sesc Vila Mariana during a show by Letícia Sabatella, one of the foundation’s advisors, was also a manifestation in defense of rights for all. Our president, Jorge Eduardo Durão, called attention to recent violations. At the same time, he recalled the inspiration drawn from the human rights defenders that have been supported by the foundation. Some of these defenders were participants at the General Meeting for Projects in São Paulo, during which they reflected on violence, racism and communications to advance human rights, cruical topics in our current situation.
We’ve arrived at the end of another year and I’d like to thank all who have contributed and shared in our purpose at the Brazil Human Rights Fund. That we may continue together toward a more just country. Happy holidays and onward in 2016!
