Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Curitiba (Agenzia Fides) – Yesterday, September 7, Curitiba hosted the 16th "Cry of the Excluded," sponsored by the Archdiocese of Curitiba, pastoral groups, movements, and social organizations. The theme was: “Where are our rights? Together to build a project for everyone,” and the slogan "Life First”, the event was aimed at encouraging all citizens to work towards social transformation. During the morning, the participants gathered in a community center run by the Marists at the Curitiba industrial park (CIC) and held a march in the streets.
"On the day when we celebrate the independence of Brazil, it is important to raise awareness of the growing social exclusion in our country,” said the executive secretary of the Social-Pastoral Ministry of the Archdiocese of Curitiba, Sister Ines Zanin. “The 'Cry of the Excluded' draws attention to the need to guarantee fundamental rights (such as housing, safety, free time, health, and education) to all citizens."
In parallel with the "Cry", a popular referendum has also been held through which people could express their views on the possibility of Brazil establishing a limit on the size of land ownership. Indeed, the obstacles in accessing land are a source of social exclusion. In Brazil the only people with access to land are those with money. "We should be favorable to establishing a limit on the property,” said Sister Inez Zanin. “Especially with regard to the unproductive areas. The difficulty of land access is to be considered at the same level as the city slums and the various other social problems. We guarantee quality of life and dignity for all."
An estimated 1,000 people participated in the “Cry”, in Curitiba. Other similar demonstrations, with the same theme and the same slogans, were held in cities across the country. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 08/09/2010)
