Rallies in Brazil mark 29th edition of “Cry of Outcasts”

With public acts, demonstrations, and marches, the 29th edition of the Cry of the Outcasts (Grito dos Excluídos in the original Portuguese) takes to the streets of 26 Brazilian states to propose a reflection on guaranteeing a dignified life for marginalized segments of the population. This year's rally has the slogan "What are you hungry and thirsty for?" drawing attention to the problem that once again affects a large part of the Brazilian population. A report released in July by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) confirmed the worsening of hunger and food insecurity indicators in Brazil last year.

According to the FAO, in 2022, 70.3 million people were in a state of moderate food insecurity, which is when they find it difficult to feed themselves. The survey also shows that 21.1 million people in the country experienced severe food insecurity, characterized by a state of hunger.

Most of these actions coincide with Brazil's Independence Day week, aiming to mobilize individuals to fight for their rights, denounce injustices and violence, cherish life, and seek a world characterized by social justice.

Bishop Dom José Valdeci Santos Mendes, who presides over the Episcopal Pastoral Commission for Socio-Transformative Action of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) and hails from Brejo, Maranhão state, emphasized that "The Cry is an opportunity to reflect and affirm our desire to journey together towards a life of dignity. It nurtures hope for a better world, a fairer and more fraternal society. This vision can be realized through the active involvement of organizations and those whose rights are denied, making them protagonists of this new society."

He also noted that the Cry of the Outcasts consistently aligns with the CNBB's Fraternity Campaign, whose 2023 motto is "Provide food for them yourself." This slogan underscores the urgent need to address the challenges of food and water access while emphasizing the importance of increased popular participation and collective efforts to find solutions for the various issues affecting the most vulnerable segments of the population.