The demonstrations that recently shook up Brazil are unforgettable. Hundreds of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets. The protest was triggered by price increases in public transport. However, the demonstrators had much more at stake, as a commentary by our employee and National Coordinator in Brazil, Alexandre Menezes, points out.
The wave of demonstrations in Brazil took everyone by surprise, from politicians, the government and police to trade unions and non-governmental organizations. Not even the young students who initiated the protests could have imagined the scale of the protests. Demonstrations took place in practically every major city. In addition to the demands for public transport, the shortcomings in the health and education systems and corruption also brought the protesters to the barricades.
Social benefits instead of overpriced buildings
People are dissatisfied because there is little agreement between the needs of the population and political decisions. The political class seems incapable of putting public interests before economic ones. The fact that Brazil is hosting the 2014 World Cup accentuates the existing contradictions in public investment. Priority is being given to the construction of overpriced football stadiums and buildings for the World Cup – but to the detriment of the population and their access to their basic fundamental rights. During the protests, many banners read: “FIFA: WE WANT HOUSING, HEALTH AND EDUCATION”.
Driving force of the youth
Brazil is often portrayed as a rising economic power and a good example of overcoming poverty and social injustice. The manifestations, however, show the real picture of Brazil. They show that increasing the national income of the population will not bring about a sustainable improvement in living conditions if fundamental rights are not fulfilled at the same time. And they show how important young people are. They are the driving force for change. The manifestations showcased a strengthened youth that legitimizes itself as an active element of society with great mobilization power and that asserts the true public interest. With this youth, the whole of society has woken up: the Brazilian giant has stood up and taken to the streets.
Boost for youth participation
The momentum of this moment can also be felt in the projects supported by terre des hommes schweiz. The empathy of young people for the protests has led to more young people taking an interest in the activities in the projects. Youth participation – a key focus of terre des hommes schweiz – and activities to influence youth policy are gaining weight in the projects. By supporting these projects, terre des hommes schweiz in Brazil is making a concrete contribution to far-reaching social change towards greater rights and social justice.
