Friday, June 12, 2026
Hello!
ISER crossed the Black Atlantic to discuss human rights, the justice system, and democracy!
Between May 25th and June 3rd, ISER carried out a strategic institutional agenda on the African continent. In Luanda, the capital of Angola, we took another step in our journey defending human rights, strengthening partnerships, expanding dialogues, and reaffirming the importance of cooperation between countries of the Global South.
Brazil and Angola share historical, cultural, and linguistic ties, memories, and also face similar challenges in building more just societies, promoting human rights, and strengthening access to justice. It was from this understanding that we built an institutional agenda and a knowledge production process.
In partnership with the Center for Human Rights and Citizenship (CDHC) of the Catholic University of Angola (UCAN) and PUC-Rio, we promoted the first International Seminar on Human Rights, Justice System and Decarceration. The meeting brought together representatives of Angolan public authorities, members of civil society, researchers, students, and professionals committed to strengthening justice and citizenship.
The discussions addressed topics such as mass incarceration, combating torture, access to justice, popular legal education, and the theoretical and methodological challenges in legal research. The debates highlighted the importance of exchanging experiences and collectively building solutions to address inequalities and expand rights.
Another highlight of the program was the book launch. Warriors for Decarceration, This publication presents the effects of incarceration on the lives of incarcerated individuals and their families, based on the experiences of women who participated in the eponymous training program. More than 200 copies were distributed to the public and became part of the collection of the Catholic University of Angola's library, expanding the reach of the initiative and strengthening the exchange of knowledge between the two countries.
Our work in Luanda also included participation in the 9th Scientific Conference of the Metropolitan Polytechnic Institute of Angola (IMETRO), a space for academic dialogue that allowed us to share research, experiences of social intervention, and reflections on the challenges of promoting human rights in the Brazilian context.
ISER's visit to Luanda is part of an international cooperation strategy aimed at strengthening initiatives to build more just and democratic societies, as well as reinforcing the institutional commitment to promoting human rights and knowledge production.
In times that demand dialogue, solidarity, and cooperation, we continue to believe in the power of encounters and the collective construction of alternatives to confront inequalities and promote dignity.
Human rights are strengthened when they cross borders, bring knowledge closer together, and connect people.
A hug,
Ane Rocha
Lucas Matos
Kessia Gomes
Did you know?
New issue of Religion & Society magazine! The new edition of the magazine Religion & Society This journal gathers articles received on a rolling basis. Among the topics covered are: the demographic and political trajectory of the evangelical religion in Brazil; religious diversity in Brazilian religious education; ways of viewing secularism, among others. Click here to learn more about the new edition!
ISER receives certificate of recognition for its socio-environmental work! In a solemn session at the Recife City Council, ISER received a certificate of honor, highlighting its work in linking faith and the environment. The recognition focused especially on the Faith in Climate project and the Vigils for the Earth, an interfaith event held in various regions of Brazil in 2025, with emphasis on the Vigil that took place in Recife in October. Read the full article on the website!
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Thank you for reading this far.
Until next time,
ISER Team.
Analysis on religion, politics, rights and the environment every two weeks in your email.
Subscribe to the ISER Newsletter.