The Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship (MDHC) classified as “brutal” the aggression suffered by homeless people last weekend, in Botafogo, in the south zone of Rio de Janeiro. 
In a statement, the ministry considered the attempt by a man to set two homeless people on fire to be an alarming and unacceptable expression. The criminal act was recorded by security cameras and is being investigated by the police.
“The Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship (MDHC) expresses its deep indignation and repudiation of the brutal attack suffered by homeless people last weekend, in Botafogo, South Zone of Rio de Janeiro”, says the ministry, in document. “The criminal act, recorded in images circulating on social media, in which a man tries to set fire to two homeless people, constitutes an alarming and unacceptable expression of aporophobia — prejudice and aversion towards people in situations of extreme poverty”, added..
For the agency, the demonstration of violence cannot be seen as an isolated case, as it is a representation of the devaluation suffered by people in situations of social vulnerability.
“This culture of exclusion and contempt needs to be faced directly, through awareness, education and public policies that seek to promote equality and respect for human rights”, argues the ministry.
The ministry activated the Intersectoral Committee for Follow-up and Monitoring of the National Policy for the Homeless Population (CIAMP-Rua), which will monitor the investigations, and demanded that the man be held accountable for attempted murder.
Complaint
To report a situation of violence, simply call Dial 100, a free channel from the National Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office that operates 24 hours a day. Reports can also be made via WhatsApp, by calling (61) 99611-0100.
* Intern under the supervision of Marcelo Brandão
