STRUCTURAL CONTROL OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN BRAZIL: THE RESTRICTION OF THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND DEMONSTRATION

Abstract

In Brazil, the control carried out against human rights defenders is based on the principles of a patriarchal society, which is based on a system of unequal distribution of power, using biological foundations regarding sexes as a basis for social gender differentiation. This phenomenon reveals a series of practices and policies that limit the actions of these activists and compromise their ability to fight for social causes and denounce violations. One of the points discussed is that the demonstrations and actions proposed by them, although peaceful, face repressive actions by the State and the lack of protection against violence by third parties, which make them targets of attacks. Structural control is, therefore, a mechanism that weakens the fight for justice and equality. This demonstrates the importance of challenging and deconstructing the stigmas associated with gender identities in the context of the fight for human rights and in the promotion of a more equitable and inclusive society. A qualitative methodology is used based on bibliographic research and a database of interviews conducted with thirteen activists. The aim is to understand the relationship between structural control and the implicit legitimization of the use of different methods to prevent women activists from exercising their rights to free expression and demonstration. Finally, we analyze whether the fundamental rights of activists contrast with the scenario exposed by empirical research, by verifying the set of existing public policies and their (in)effectiveness.