Rio Governor Witzel Sanctions Law Honoring Marielle Franco and Human Rights

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Governor Wilson Witzel sanctioned the Marielle Franco Law, which officially institutes March 14 as the date of the councilwoman’s execution and as the State Day of Human Rights Defenders.

Marielle Franco was murdered in March 2018 and a year and a half later, the investigations continue without a definitive conclusion on the perpetrators of the crime.

The law was proposed by Congresswoman Renata Souza and approved by the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj). The ratification by the governor took place last Friday, September 13th.

As president of the Alerj Human Rights Commission, Renata says that the objective is “to give visibility to the struggle for human rights and, consequently, protection to the people who dedicate themselves to this fundamental cause of society”.

The deputy commemorated the sanction. “I am happy to know that the governor understood the importance of the date. Human rights defenders should be seen as allies of any government, allies of the entire population, not as enemies. In the critical moment in which we live, with respect to public safety in Rio, it is essential to build a policy that values life. And this appreciation is the path that has been pointed out by human rights defenders for decades. It is necessary to listen to and debate with the people who dedicate themselves daily to guaranteeing human dignity, sometimes having their integrity, both physical and psychological, put at risk”, argued Renata Souza.

According to the text of the law, the date will include events, disclosures, seminars, and lectures in schools, universities, squares, theatres, and public facilities in the state. As of next year, March 14 will be marked by educational, cultural, economic, and social activities aimed at raising awareness of human rights.

Source: G1

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