The Brazilian DPU (Defensoria Pública da União) has called on 257 students in Maceió who were affected by the Braskem disaster but have not yet requested their compensation. This initiative is part of a broader program aimed at ensuring all eligible individuals receive financial reparations for the damages caused by Braskem's salt mining operations, which significantly impacted local communities. The authorization of this program has involved oversight from the Federal Public Ministry and was ratified by the Federal Court in November 2024 as a measure to mitigate the effects of the environmental catastrophe.

Overall, 1,262 students are recognized as eligible for this compensation effort, with some already receiving monthly financial assistance for educational support while others opted for a lump sum indemnity of R$8,000. The DPU explains that students have the right to formally request their compensation until the program concludes, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks without receiving their entitlement. Diego Alves, the regional human rights defender in Alagoas, emphasized the importance of this mechanism, which represents a significant step towards addressing the damages faced by impacted communities.

As the situation develops, it is critical for the affected students to recognize the persistence of this opportunity for financial support as the deadline approaches. Such initiatives reflect the ongoing commitment of government agencies to alleviate social injustices and provide necessary reparations in the wake of environmental disasters, highlighting the importance of community engagement and legal assistance in ensuring that rights are upheld and individuals are given due support in their recovery efforts.