The following article was originally published in Portuguese in the newspaper O Globo on November 25, 2024. The recent decision by Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (STJ) to authorize the importation of seeds and the cultivation of hemp for medicinal purposes represents a milestone in the country’s drug policy. While this ruling opens doors for...
The following article was originally published in Portuguese in the newspaper O Globo on October 12, 2024. For whom has Brazil been a homeland? It may seem like a simple question, but any attempt to answer it honestly exposes some of the country’s deepest flaws. The etymology of “pátria” (Portuguese for “homeland”) suggests a connection...
Democracy and transparency As a citizen and as the president of an organization with deep ties to Venezuela, as is the case with Humanitas360 Institute, I cannot remain silent in the face of the ongoing deterioration of democracy in the country. From a personal standpoint, it is a painful situation, where I empathize with the...
The following article was originally published in Portuguese in the newspaper Folha de S. Paulo on April 12, 2024. Brazil has a sad tradition of public figures who, unable to present adequate solutions to the problems they should solve, resort to simple formulas and easy ways out. The strategy is used by administrators who prefer...
Approved by the Senate’s Constitution and Justice Committee on March 13, the proposed amendment to the Constitution that establishes the possession of drugs in any quantity as a crime is a legal setback, a political abomination and an enormous social risk. Confusing public opinion with prejudices and criminal punitiveness, the measure reinforces the worst instincts...
By Patrícia Villela Marino For those who dedicate themselves to thinking about society’s problems and working towards its improvement, a maxim needs to be followed: there is no easy solution to complex problems. Faced with the crisis in Brazilian public security, the National Congress ignores this elementary idea and embraces penal populism. The most recent...
The following article, written by the president of the Humanitas360 Institute, Patrícia Villela Marino, was published in CIVI-CO Mag, a publication of the CIVI-CO social impact hub, in October. A series of preconceptions hover over the North and Northeast of Brazil that prevent us from seeing the region’s potential, without neglecting its socioeconomic challenges. The...
The following article, written by the president of the Humanitas360 Institute, Patrícia Villela Marino, was published by the newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo on October 10, 2023. At the beginning of October, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) unanimously decided that federal and state governments must develop a plan to combat problems in the prison...
By Patrícia Villela Marino Born on October 13, 1930, José Gregori lived 92 years in favor of justice, democracy and human rights. Although his birthday is a reason to celebrate the life of an extraordinary man, this year marks a change, the passing of a giant. Gregori left us last month, but his legacy remains...
On behalf of the Humanitas360 Institute, I express my deep condolences at the passing of José Gregori, one of the most inspiring men I have ever had the opportunity to know, and I offer sincere solidarity to his family and friends in this time of mourning. Former Minister of Justice, José Gregori was a tireless defender...