The Brazilian government has announced the establishment of the country's first Memory Center for victims of state violence in Santos, São Paulo, aimed at preserving their memory and providing support to their families.
On Wednesday, September 4, the Brazilian federal government initiated the first Memory Center for Victims of State Violence (CMVV) in Santos, São Paulo. This center, located in a federal property near the Coffee Exchange, is set to open within the year and serves as a crucial part of the state's reparative justice initiatives. It aims not only to memorialize those affected but also to assist families impacted by contemporary state violence through psychological and legal support.
The launch was attended by Human Rights and Citizenship Minister Macaé Evaristo, who emphasized the center's role as a multi-faceted support hub for families of victims. Evaristo highlighted that this space will focus on intersectoral support, including access to justice and psychological assistance, while promoting remembrance initiatives. This approach reflects the government's broader commitment to ensuring that state violence is acknowledged and does not recur in the future.
The choice of Baixada Santista for this pilot project was made in light of the area’s recent violent incidents, particularly the operations dubbed Escudo and Verão, which resulted in the deaths of at least 84 individuals between 2023 and 2024. This significant violence has underscored the need for systemic changes in how the state interacts with communities, focusing on accountability and support rather than repression and violence against citizens.
