Protecting the Human

Elisabete Maria da Souza’s 13 year old brother and four of his friends were killed by Brazilian military police in 2004. Since his death she and the mothers of some of the boys have campaigned for justice as the Maes de Caju - mothers of Caju, one of the many favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Elisabete’s campaigning has put her in danger, but the daily threats she receives has not sopped her.

Marcelo Freixo is a researcher for Justica Global, an organisation dedicated to the promotion of human rights in Brazil. He is also from Rio, the city where over one hundred people are killed by guns each day. However, in a referendum in late 2005, Brazilians voted against banning the sale of guns and ammunition.

Elisabete and Marcelo spoke here whilst visiting the UK, to take part in Amnesty International’s Protect the Human week 2005. Also in attendance were representatives of Women of Zimbabwe Arise, who’s members have been repeatedly arrested by Zimbabwe police whilst taking part in peaceful demonstrations against the worsening social, economic and human rights situation in their country. WOZA representative Jenni Williams speaks here about the movement’s determined struggle for change. Length 19 mins.

Photo of Brazilian military police courtesy of Amensty International. Details of the Protect the Human campaign at www.amnesty.org.uk

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