Let’s separate the Silvio Almeida case from the Human Rights department, says Macaé Evaristo to CNN
The Minister of Human Rights, Macaé Evaristo, in an interview with CNN Braziladdressed the recent attacks against former minister Silvio Almeida. Evaristo emphasized the need to separate the individual case from the important policies developed by the ministry.
When commenting on the situation, the minister highlighted: “We are going to separate this from the Ministry of Human Rights institution”. She highlighted the importance of allowing institutions to carry out their investigative work, guaranteeing the right to defense and due accountability, if necessary.
Challenges and priorities of the ministry
Evaristo also addressed the main agendas and programs under the department’s responsibility. Among them, he highlighted policies aimed at defending the rights of children, adolescents and the elderly, in addition to the protection program for human rights defenders.
The minister expressed concern about violence against activists, mentioning the recent case of a young indigenous man murdered in Mato Grosso do Sul. “We cannot mourn people after they have died and we need to act preventively, protect these people and act in these conflict situations”, he stated.
Inclusion and accessibility in focus
Another point highlighted by Evaristo was the “Novo Viver Sem Limites” program, aimed at public policies on accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities. The minister highlighted the importance of interministerial collaboration, mentioning partnerships with the Ministries of Education and Health.
Evaristo also mentioned having received a dossier on issues related to autism, emphasizing the need to listen to all parties involved before making decisions. “Our task and effort at this moment is to welcome, listen”, declared the minister, recognizing the challenge of “changing the wheel of the car with the car moving” in her first days in charge of the department.
