As a result of a course, a comprehensive protection network was created to support human rights defenders in Baixada Fluminense

The Rede de Proteção Integral a Defensoras e Defensores de Direitos Humanos da Baixada Fluminense (Comprehensive Protection Network for Human Rights Defenders in Baixada Fluminense -RPIDDH-BF) was established on August 26, 2023, following a course promoted by the Fórum Grita Baixada (FGB) on comprehensive protection for those working in the field of human rights.

According to Adriano de Araújo, FGB coordinator and network member, the project emerged as an outcome of the course’s final seminar. At that moment, it became clear that there was a need not only for training, but also for a permanent structure focused on the comprehensive protection of these individuals.

A management committee was thus created, with representatives from various municipalities in the region: Cecília Barbosa (Queimados), Marília Palles (São João de Meriti), Tamires Rodrigues and Adriano de Araújo (Mesquita), Anderson Ribeiro (Magé), and Cátia Santos (Belford Roxo). The initiative received financial support from the Brazil Human Rights Fund.

Lupa do Bem, through the Neuza’s Column, interviewed one of the network’s members. See below:

Neuza’s Column: What are the goals of the network?

Adriano de Araújo: To serve as a space for coordination, mobilization, training, and political advocacy focused on comprehensive protection policies for human rights defenders in Baixada Fluminense. Also, to provide means, resources, and opportunities that strengthen full protection for the target audience.

This is necessary because, as we know, human rights defenders are generally people who face constant threats due to their activities.

Neuza’s Column: How does the Comprehensive Protection Network operate?

Adriano de Araújo: We have a collective committee made up of five human rights defenders who are members of the Network.

Although the Network is just over a year old, we can already see its impact. In the beginning, it offered emergency support to defenders who registered seeking financial aid for protection measures.

Later, we organized a training course, expanding the initiative with the goal of increasing membership and establishing a central space in Baixada Fluminense to serve as a reference point for these activists.

Neuza’s Column: What are the organization’s biggest challenges?

Adriano de Araújo: Financial issues. At the moment, we have support—as I mentioned—but it will end, and we know the Network’s financial needs will become more pressing.

Another challenge is related to volunteerism. Those who are part of the extended coordination team are volunteers, and they don’t always have the time to dedicate to managing the network. It’s not easy to bring in people who are both committed and regularly active, but that’s common in many organizations.

And there’s the challenge of addressing human rights in the context of Baixada Fluminense, a region often marked by threats and lethal violence.

Direct support for human rights defenders

For Adriano, one of the greatest early achievements was the support received from the Brazil Human Rights Fund, secured in the network’s first few months.

Another major milestone was providing emergency assistance to ten human rights defenders, in addition to involving 35 organizations from ten of the thirteen cities that make up Baixada Fluminense.

“This is a great source of pride for us, but we know there’s still a lot of work ahead,” says Adriano.

The network currently operates in ten cities, with the possibility of expanding to the remaining three municipalities in the region. However, Adriano acknowledges that the LGBTQIA+ community is still underrepresented in the project’s initiatives, though he emphasizes the intention to broaden this reach in the future.

Increasing visibility

The Protection Network for Human Rights Defenders in Baixada Fluminense faces the typical challenges of a newly formed coalition. First and foremost, institutional strengthening is urgent, with ongoing resources and actions to ensure legal, psychological, and security support for threatened activists.

Another crucial point is increasing visibility and public recognition of these individuals’ roles as human rights defenders — especially in areas plagued by state-sponsored lethal violence, armed groups, and a history of systematic violations. Many defenders still work under extreme risk, without any support from public authorities.

There must also be investment in continued training, partnerships with universities, and collaboration with national and international institutions that understand the seriousness of the situation.

In addition, it is essential to create protection protocols specific to the region’s context, taking into account the intersectionality of gender, race, territory, and social class.

Finally, the network needs a monitoring and rapid response system to handle threats and attacks, with direct reporting channels and coordinated action between civil society organizations, public defenders, and human rights bodies. This isn’t just about protecting individuals—it’s about ensuring the continuation of the fight for justice, memory, and democracy in the region.

How to help

If you’d like to support the Network in any way, or would like more information, please contact them at +55 (21) 9 7735-7888 or write to [email protected].