A word of gratitude and of commitment

The Network for Social Justice and Human Rights is publishing its annual report on Human Rights in Brazil 2006. This report is fully trustworthy and has a broad reach, covering the following issues:
Human Rights in Rural Areas
Human Rights in Urban Areas
Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights
International Policies and Human Rights

Each section deals with collective rights, and also touches on specific cases of human rights violations that are unfortunately very current in Brazil. In the chapter “Violence in the Countryside,” for example, the report studies the context in which Sister Dorothy was killed as a consequence of her work to defend peasant rights and environmental protection.

Along with the annual report of the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT) and the annual report of the Indigenous Missionary Council (CIMI), to cite two organizations that are very close to the heart of grassroots movements, this Report on Human Rights in Brazil offers a precise service of information and commitment, an effective tool for social activism. It takes sides, because the report denounces human rights violations from a grassroots perspective, and shows the challenges that face us today.

Fortunately there is growing consciousness in our society about the range of human rights, which include the right to life with dignity and with equality. But these rights have been systematically violated within a structure of neoliberal economic policies that privileges a minority of people and marginalizes the majority of humanity.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created recently, in 1948. We woke up rather late for the importance to defend basic rights, and at that time only primary rights were considered in the Declaration, omitting, for example, the right to food.

Human rights, of persons and of peoples, are not negotiable. The promotion of human rights is an indispensable condition for peace in our world. And peace has always been the fruit of justice. The Social Network for Justice and Human Rights is providing an essential service for us to promote social change in Brazil, and to build the dream of another world, which is possible.

To the colleagues of this undertaking, our gratitude. May the report’s message be spread far.  It is extremely relevant at this political moment in Brazil— a time that should be the social, economic, and cultural “era” of the Brazilian people. The grassroots movements, whose turn it is now to speak, are demanding respect for all human rights.          

November 6, 2006

Pedro Casaldáliga

Bishop Emeritus of São Félix do Araguaia