BRAZIL
Written by Unity of Action Platform
Tuesday, 29 April 2014 03:02

An appeal to the workers of the world

On June 12, during the opening of the FIFA World Cup, demonstrations are planned to take place all over Brazil. We call on the fighters of the whole world to organize demonstrations and join us in struggle at Brazilian consulates and embassies in their countries.

We workers, trade unionists, student activists, fighters from the social movements and movements against oppression gathered in Sao Paulo on March 22 2014 in a national meeting in order to build unity of action during the World Cup and to make an appeal for support to the workers of the world.

Thousands of Brazilians took the streets in June and July last year to protest against the excessive expenditures by the Brazilian government for the organization of the FIFA World Cup. In a country where half of its budget is spent to pay its public debt’s interests, but which lacks decent health, education, sanitation, transport and housing – that is quality public services, the population choose to say enough! Since then, not one day has gone by without mobilizations and protests that have shaken all regions of the country.

The World Cup will bring benefits only to big corporations such as the contractors, FIFA, the financial market and private investors. Communities mass evictions are already taking place to make for luxurious football arenas. Meanwhile, numerous workers have died because they are forced into precarious working conditions to meet FIFA deadlines for the new buildings. Our people love football but we no longer accept the status quo.

Our demonstrations have been harshly repressed by municipal, state, and national governments. The national government, which is led by the Workers’ Party (PT), announced plans to pass a Bill that can turn any demonstrator into a terrorist. There are already numerous cases of activists who have been arrested, criminally charged and sentenced. The criminalization of social movements is increasing in Brazil.

Corruption is rampant in the FIFA World Cup construction projects, especially in the relations between FIFA and a number of football confederations and sponsors. Those who protest are violently repressed while those who steal go unpunished.

We call all trade union bodies, social movements and youth across the world to send solidarity motions in defense of Brazilian people´s rights against repression and criminalization of activists and social movements.

During the World Cup there will be struggle in Brazil and throughout the world.

National Meeting – Unity of Action Platform