The seminar, which was attended by public defenders Cintia Luzzatto and Mônica Zimmer, addressed the issue of mass incarceration in Brazil and the reintegration of former inmates into society. Rodrigo dos Santos, social educator and leader of the organization Reciclando Vidas, highlighted the importance of offering opportunities to former inmates to prevent them from being co-opted by criminal factions.
Social Reinsertion and Opportunities
The event presented positive examples of reintegration and discussed issues related to mental health, education, social inclusion and housing. The responsibility of the private sector and other forms of income generation were also debated.
The Role of the Public Defender
Cintia Luzzatto highlighted that the Public Defender’s Office not only acts in legal and individual defense, but also as a criminal enforcement body, ensuring compliance with the rules of the Brazilian legal system and international standards. She recalled that one of the objectives of criminal execution is to provide conditions for the harmonious social integration of the convicted person.
Challenges of Resocialization
The defender highlighted that stigmatization and discrimination are factors that make it difficult for ex-detainees to integrate into professional and family life. She defended the need for a new perspective to overcome the barriers of lack of information and prejudice, promoting entry into the job market and the full exercise of citizenship.
The 1st State Seminar on Social Reinsertion and Opportunities was sponsored by the American Consulate and supported by the State Government, the National Industry Service (SENAI) and the Public Defender’s Office of RS.
