Observatory to monitor violence against Brazilian journalists
Brazilian journalism now has a new tool to help safeguard the proper practice of the profession, particularly in cases of violence against those who fulfill their duty to inform. In addition to monitoring and maintaining a database of such incidents, the Observatory of Violence Against Journalists will serve as a platform for dialogue between media professionals and the Brazilian government, contributing to the development of targeted public policies and supporting investigations.
Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security published the guidelines, composition, organization, and operational framework of the observatory this week. The observatory aims to monitor incidents, propose public policies, support investigations, and develop a database with key indicators on related cases. It will consist of ministry representatives and 15 civil society members with a proven track record in defending press freedom and combating violence against journalists.
Fenaj
The National Federation of Journalists (Fenaj) was among the organizations involved in the discussions to establish the observatory. According to Fenaj president Samira de Castro, like the Federal Council of Journalists, this initiative has been a long-standing demand of the profession.
"From the very beginning, the observatory was a demand from civil society organizations connected to journalism. The situation worsened significantly during the four years of the Bolsonaro government, culminating in the events of January 8. It was then that we presented an initial proposal to the Minister of Justice at the time, Flávio Dino," said Castro, explaining that Dino spearheaded the observatory’s structuring. "However, with his appointment to the Supreme Court, we had to restart discussions almost from scratch with the new ministerial team," she added.
The state's view
"The creation of the observatory reflects the Brazilian state's commitment to ensuring the human right of access to information. Until now, there has never been a mechanism dedicated specifically to this issue—not only for journalists but also for communicators and individuals who uphold the right to information in their communities," explained Castro.
The journalist emphasized that the state's involvement in this cause is crucial, not only for addressing bureaucratic challenges within the profession but also for effectively combating violence against journalists.
"Several journalism-related organizations, including Reporters Without Borders and Fenaj, monitor violence against journalists. However, our reports lack the authority and influence of the state. This collaboration with civil society is a key distinguishing factor," she said.
Public policies
Castro highlights that complaints received by the observatory could serve as a basis for developing public policies specifically tailored to journalists, ensuring they can carry out their work under the best possible conditions. She also stresses the importance of protecting so-called popular communicators, who may not work directly in the field of human rights but still face threats. "This includes, for example, reporters covering local politics in rural areas. Previously, such protection was limited to those working explicitly in human rights," she added.
According to the Fenaj leader, the groups established within the observatory will also monitor “the confusion created by influencers and pseudo-journalists,” referring to individuals who, without formal education or a journalism degree, present themselves as journalists.
"This issue intensified after the Supreme Court ruled that a journalism degree was not required for the profession. Fenaj has always advocated for professionalization while also recognizing the role of popular communicators when their work aligns with journalism and helps their communities access relevant information," she stated.
Professionalization
Fenaj believes that eliminating the requirement for a journalism degree has directly contributed to the trivialization of a profession that is essential and strategic for society.
In response to this scenario, the organization has sought dialogue with Supreme Court justices to reconsider the diploma requirement. "When the Court made its decision, social media did not have the reach and influence it does today. This new reality alone justifies revisiting and reassessing the ruling," she argued.
"We are currently facing an environment heavily contaminated by what I call pseudo-journalism. The observatory will establish objective criteria to address this issue, drawing on academic expertise, with universities also contributing through dedicated working groups," added Castro.
