The article expresses deep concern over the increasing dismantling of human rights policies in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It highlights that this is not merely a matter of rhetoric but involves tangible decisions that weaken social control mechanisms, limit participatory spaces, and undermine structures established to protect human dignity. The author draws from their experience as a former municipal secretary of Human Rights and Citizenship to emphasize the fundamental role that human rights institutional frameworks play in the functioning of the state.

The author points to a specific incident in which Governor Tarcísio de Freitas responded dismissively to questions about police lethality, suggesting that even international appeals, like those to the UN, were met with indifference. This remark underlines a troubling trend where state authorities exhibit a lack of accountability regarding human rights concerns. It raises questions about the future of human rights protections and the potential normalization of violence as a tool in governance, particularly in a region with complex socioeconomic challenges.

This shift in attitude and policy could have significant ramifications for civil liberties in São Paulo and Brazil as a whole. As institutions that once aimed to protect vulnerable populations become weakened, it presents a hazardous environment for activists, marginalized groups, and anyone advocating for human rights. The diminishing trust in government responses to these crucial issues signals a critical juncture for the trajectory of human rights in the country, potentially leading to increased social unrest and resistance movements.