Brazil: Rural workers march to commemorate Carajás Massacre April 17

Event

La Via Campesina, a peasants' movement active in Brazil, is organizing marches and demonstrations on Wednesday, April 17, to commemorate the Carajás Massacre and to call for agrarian land reform. The demonstrations, dubbed "Red April," are being held across the country and associated disruptions, including localized transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence, are possible near any related events. Other associated activities and events are likely in the days surrounding April 17. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

The Carajás Massacre occurred on April 17, 1996, when 19 landless farmers were killed by military police in Eldorado do Carajás (Pará state). Peasant and landless farmer groups often hold events around the anniversary to call for increased rights for farmers and rural workers. This is the first "Red April" to be held under the administration of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who opposes land reform policies.

Advice

Individuals in Brazil are advised to monitor the situation, avoid unnecessary travel through rural areas in the days around April 17, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence and localized business and transportation disruptions near any protests, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.