Ceabir – Ironides Rocha Center for Afro-Brazilian Studies

Continuing the project whose aim is to inform and train priests and practitioners of African-origin religions on the legal aspects related to the free exercise of the right to freedom of belief and religion guaranteed by the Brazilian legislation. Increasing the reach of the project to other localities in the state of Rio de Janeiro and replicating the methodology.

– Hold four meetings on human rights and themes related to daily legal issues related to religious practice

– Creation of communications materials

– Maintain the project’s Facebook page

– Produce a magazine on the project’s experience

– Produce publicity videos and photos of the meetings

– Hold the first Statewide Encounter of Afro-religious Communities, Human Rights and Jurisprudence in Rio de Janeiro

The ideals of Afro-Brazilian religions have led to worsening conflicts in diverse areas such as schools, at work, health services, communications media, etc. One example is that of students who cannot demonstrate their faith without risk of ridicule or punishment by teachers and classmates. In the media, negative ideals about the religions have spread. In this setting, cases of intolerance against Afro-Brazilian religions have arisen.

Ceabir has since its creation worked with the people affected by the project. Its directorship is made of black women who were brought up in the religion. It produces educational materials and holds workshops, meetings and discussions directed at practitioners of Afro-Brazilian religions.

- Rede Nacional de Religiões Afro-Brasileiras e Saúde (National Network of Afro-Brazilian Religions and Health)