Last 20th of June one of the biggest protests in Brazil history completed eight years. The reason why this protest is studied until now and others are not, it was its character totally spontaneous, unexpected and non-partisan. And this movement called by some as "June Revolution," must be always remembered. And it is good also to remember what the protesters were asking for and what has changed after so many years. In 2013 the Brazilian people realized that they deserve a better governance, a better return for so many taxes we pay. Besides, we want respect for our basic human rights and justice when they are violated. We want a country where goodness and integrity are exalted and evil and injustice combated. We want a more transparent and inclusive electoral and political systems. We want honesty, efficiency, solidarity and accountability from our politicians and authorities. In short, we want a country that really works for the progress of its citizens. In short, we want a governmental system that make the most of our human and material resources. And so Brazil can reach its true potential and finally stop being known as 'the eternal country of the future' and becomes what its potential can make for its citizens. This post is a summary of the three articles. The first with the title of, "How Fighting Corruption is Also Good for Human Rights: The Legacy of the Office of the Prosecutor in Brazil." Published https://www.academia.edu/29450673/How_fighting_corruption_can_also_be_good_for_human_rights_The_Legacy_of_the_Office_of_the_Prosecutor_Brazil. The second was published at https://blog.softtek.com/en/decreasing-purchasing-power-and-endemic-corruption-fueling-brazil-protests. The third was published at https://www.france24.com/en/20130622-brazil-rousseff-reforms-protests
"Corruption is an enormous obstacle to the realization of all human rights, as well as the right to development. Corruption violates the core human rights principles of transparency, accountability, non-discrimination and meaningful participation in every aspect of life of the community. Conversely, these principles, when upheld and implemented, are the most effective means to fight corruption." said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay. During the month of June of 2013, Brazil experienced an intense wave of public protests that targeted a number of controversial political and socio-economic policies. Among them, one in particular served to catalyze and focus widespread dissatisfaction with corruption: the movement against the PEC 37. It would have limited the investigative powers of the Office of the Prosecutor (ministerio publico) in criminal cases including corruption. In Brazil, The Office of the Prosecutor has been particularly active in investigations into irregularities and cases of corruption involving high public officials and politicians. The anti-PEC 37 movement was able to win the hearts of protesters on the streets, who rose in defense of the Office of the Prosecutor and Congress vote down PEC 37 guaranteeing investigative powers to the Office of the Prosecutor. The mission of Office of the Prosecutor is to promote social justice by bringing actions against individuals, businesses and governments agents in the defense of civil society in general. Because of these vast responsibilities, it has become common practice in Brazil for citizens to seek out the Office of the Prosecutor whenever they felt their rights have been violated. Brazilians have protested against corruption many times before. The law relating to administrative improbity that defines administrative corruption was signed into effect on June 1992 amidst intense pressure and accusations of corruption that resulted in an impeachment process and the resignation of President Collor. From 2005 to 2012 there were a number of parliamentary investigations, but the investigations of the Office of the Prosecutor were more successful. A strong Office of the Prosecutor is an important pillar for the consolidation of democracy and promotion of human rights. The massive public demonstrations that erupted across Brazil in mid-June were sparked by a regional protest over an increase in public bus fares. These protests were not about the tyranny of a despot as in Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, but rather boiled up from the loss of purchasing power, coupled with huge government expenditures on projects leading up to the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics and a perception that the political elite are taking advantage of the situation to enrich themselves, leading to public discontent. The catchphrase of the protests, "it's not just about 20 cents," emerged after a week of evolving demands from the protesters. Like most of the spontaneous protests, Brazil's movement has no cohesive central leadership, and after their initial demand that the bus hike be rescinded was met, protesters offered a variety of reasons for their protests. Protesters have mentioned a number of grievances beyond bus fares, including inadequate education and health systems, ubiquitous corruption, government spending on events like the World Cup and Olympics as well as an increasing cost of living. The Brazilian government was clearly surprised by the protests and the response to them has been somewhat schizophrenic. When their heavy-handed tactics against the initial protests backfired and the social media enabled protests spread like wildfire, Dilma Rousseff backed off and announced plans to convene a constituent assembly, but then changed her mind and offered a plebiscite to ask Brazilians what political reforms they want. Several bills cracking down on corruption have also been fast-tracked in Brazil's notoriously slow Congress. Brazilian President Dilma Roussef spoke about her generation's struggles in battling a dictatorship during a prime-time speech. The 10-minute address ended Rousseff's much-criticized silence in the face of the protests. She promised to make improvements in urban transportation and to battle corruption, but offered few details as to how that will happen. She also reiterated her backing for a plan before congress to invest all oil revenue royalties in education and a promises she made earlier to bring in foreign doctors to areas that lack physicians. The National Conference of Brazilian Bishops came out in favor of the protests. "This is a phenomenon involving the Brazilian people and the awakening of a new consciousness," church leaders said in the statement.
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